Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 21 February 2026
Reviewed by Louise Ford
5*****
If you’re not crying, you must be deaf!
A distinctly chilly February evening saw us heading off to the Theatre Royal to enjoy Sunny Afternoon. It’s over 60 years since The Kinks had their first number one, “You Really Got Me”, the song and sound are as loud and aggressive as ever. The play is based on the book Sunny Afternoon by Joe Panhall and is in association with Hampstead Theatre and Aron Productions. It first hit the stage back in 2014.
The story charts the rise and blows of The Kinks, from Ray (Danny Horn) and Dave’s (Oliver Hoare) humble and chaotic childhood in Fortis Green, to their ill-fated tour of America and eventually becoming rock legends.
The set designed by Miriam Buether emphasises the world of music, there are speakers everywhere and instruments permanently on stage. The whole cast, not just the band, constantly pick up and play a variety of instruments. They are an incredibly talented bunch. The importance of music is also picked up in the choreography (Adam Cooper), which is energetic and seeps out into the auditorium. There are also quite a few costume changes, some of which take place on stage, much to the audience’s amusement.
We see the boys in their bedroom playing guitars, drums or anything they can knock out a tune on. There are six older sisters who ebb and flow through the family home and bedroom, getting ready for a night out. The family is held together by Mrs Davies (Deryn Edwards) and Mr Davies (Phil Corbitt), who were themselves no strangers to belting out the odd tune.
The band starts out life as a backing band, The Ravens, for Crooners. Stifled with the music they are forced to play, they explode with their own sound, and thus starts their journey to fame and (eventual)fortune. The story really focuses on the musical genius of Ray and his troubles and doubts. Danny Horn delivers a captivating performance, which in turn is powerful and sensitive. He really does steal the show. He is equally matched by Oliver Hoare playing the, at times, out-of-control Dave, drunk on fame and stardom. Their bitter arguments and feud contribute to the band’s troubles both on and off stage.
The other two band members are slightly in the shadows of the main act. However, they are thoughtfully portrayed by Harry Curley (Pete Quaife) and Zakarie Stokes (Mick Avory). To be fair, this is really Ray Davies’ story and everyone else is a supporting act.
The tender moments of Ray’s life are covered sensitively in his relationship with Rasa (Lisa Wright).
The story carefully weaves in the precarious nature of four working-class lads entering into the world of pop music, with the associated managers and hangers-on, all looking to take their cut or percentage of the band’s fame. Whilst there’s more to say about the exploitation endemic in the music industry and class structure keeping the working class talent in their place, this review isn’t the place! However, the play does highlight the issues without ramming them down your throat.
All in all, an excellent night out. The audience clearly loved the mix of theatre and rock concert. Even this morning, the strains of Waterloo Sunset are still softly ringing in my ears.
As long as I gaze on the Waterloo sunset, I am in paradise.