Sunny Afternoon
Theatre Royal Brighton
Until 3rd January 2026
If pantomime isn’t to your taste, the Theatre Royal in Brighton is once again presenting a wonderful alternative for a sparkling Christmas outing at the theatre. ‘Sunny Afternoon’ is a musical about four working-class boys from Muswell Hill who became one of the most successful UK bands of all time: The Kinks.
The show, written by Joe Penhall, not only celebrates their musical achievements but also draws extensively from the core input of Ray Davies, the band’s frontman and songwriter. It offers a brutally honest insight into what it was like as young teenagers suddenly thrust into the world of music alongside contemporaries such as the Beatles and the Stones.
Fame, naturally, comes with its ups and downs; the boys experience exploitation, drug use and internal conflicts, even facing a ban in the United States. Nevertheless, they go on to create numerous iconic songs that have become standards today.
The talent onstage is exceptional. Musically, the four actors portraying The Kinks are outstanding. Danny Horn and Oliver Hoare, who originated the roles when ‘Sunny Afternoon’ was in the West End, portray Ray and Dave Davies respectively. They are joined by Harry Curley as Peter Quaife and Zakarie Stokes as Mick Avory. Together, they produce a sound indistinguishable from that of The Kinks.
Many of the cast members have returned from either the original 2016 West End hit or the previous UK tour, which is a testament to what an outstanding show this is. The newer cast members have seamlessly settled into their roles, and there is not a single weak link among them.
The real highlight, however, has to be the songs. The musical features a mix of the energetic rock tracks released by The Kinks, such as ‘You Really Got Me’, alongside more tender numbers written by Ray Davies for other artists, including ‘I Go to Sleep’, which was recorded by Peggy Lee. The score weaves together to create a magical journey through time, culminating in a fabulous finale that has everyone on their feet.
I highly recommended this show, both for those who are familiar with the music of The Kinks and also those who need educating. ‘Sunny Afternoon’ is being performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton throughout the Christmas period before continuing its national tour.
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Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
Photo: Manuel Harlan
Cast
Danny Horn ‘Ray Davies’,
Oliver Hoare ‘Dave Davies’,
Harry Curley ‘Peter Quaife’
Zakarie Stokes ‘Mick Avory’,
Ben Caplan ‘Eddie Kassner’
Tam Williams ‘Grenville Collins’
Victoria Anderson ‘Gwen’,
Deryn Edwards ‘Mrs. Davies’,
Joseph Richardson ‘Robert Wace’,
Lisa Wright as ‘Rasa’
Alicia Ally, Morgan Burgess, James Chisholm, Phil Corbitt, Alasdair Craig, Dominic Gee-Burch, James Hudson, Kristian Jacobs, Robin Johnson, Sorrel Jordan, Jada Langley, Timothy Roberts, Georgiana Wainwright-Jones and Emily Whitby-Samways.
Venues
Theatre Royal Brighton – Until Sat 3 Jan 2026
New Theatre Oxford – Tue 10 Feb – Sat 14 Feb 2026
Princess Theatre, Torquay – Tue 17 Mar – Sat 21 Mar 2026
Milton Keynes Theatre – Tue 24 Mar – Sat 28 Mar 2026
Richmond Theatre – Tue 31 Mar – Sat 4 Apr 2026
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent – Tue 7 Apr – Sat 11 Apr 2026
Stockton Globe – Tue 14 Apr – Sat 18 Apr 2026
Edinburgh Playhouse – Tue 5 May – Sat 9 May 2026
Liverpool Empire – Tue 19 May – Sat 23 May 2026