Sunny Afternoon at the Princess Theatre Torquay Review
Sunny Afternoon
Princess Theatre, Torquay
18-22 October 2016
Reviewed by Linda Pickford
Wow! What a night! I came home from the Princess Theatre in Torquay on a high and with my head spinning. I was a teenager in the 1960’s and the performance had brought all the joys and anguishes from my schooldays to the fore. So many memories rekindled.
The musical is based on the story of how The Kinks, formerly The Ravens, were formed and progressed over time. The Davies family of eight children were born to working class parents in Muswell Hill, London. Ray Davies born in June 1944 was given a guitar by his older sister Irene (Rene) on his 13th birthday. That was also the day she died and he never forgot her. In 1962 he joined his younger brother David’s band. This musical details their turbulent history through the medium of the songs written by Ray. It explains the disharmony between the group members, the problems in America with the musician unions and the inevitable position of their management taking all the money.
The set design was excellent and the clothes took me back to the 60’s. I remember the short dresses and the long white boots!
As you will imagine from the title of the show, Sunny Afternoon was performed during the evening as were many of my favourites including Dedicated Follower of Fashion and the great Waterloo Sunset. Song after song followed; all played wonderfully albeit rather loudly (tip of the day, take ear plugs). I particularly enjoyed the drum solo in the second half and the a cappella rendition of Days.
A special mention must be made for the Musical Director, Barney Ashworth and Andy Gammon the guitarist. Their musical accompaniment was outstanding.
The part of Robert Wace was played by Alex Wadham due to the indisposition of Joseph Richardson.
Ryan O’Donnell played Ray Davies with Mark Newnham as Dave and Lisa Wright as Rasa, Ray’s patient wife. They all sang and played wonderfully as did the rest of the cast. Their energy enthused the audience and resulted in a well-deserved standing ovation.
Get yourself along to the Princess Theatre at Torquay and see this energy giving performance.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £15 to £52 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Sunny Afternoon is at the Princess Theatre in Torquay until 22 October 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3023.
Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ | 0844 871 3023
