Sunny Afternoon at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
Sunny Afternoon
Milton Keynes Theatre
31 August to 3 September 2016
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Reviewed by Jayne Wiggins
Sunny Afternoon is a hit musical based on the music of The Kinks. Touring the country, it has reached Milton Keynes, where – with a runway extension on the stage – the audience were really set up for a music concert.
What hits you from the onset is how much popular 60s music has influenced modern music and lives. Those who are too young to remember The Kinks would know the title piece, Lola and Dedicated Follower of Fashion. The a cappella version of Days was mesmerising and produced a whoop from more than one seat in the audience!
Ryan O’Donnell’s portrayal of Ray Davies is authentic and honest. His character’s troubled nature and astonishing musical talent, performed by Ryan’s genuinely astonishing musical talent is what makes this such a spectacular show. The fact that the cast are all accomplished musicians as well makes this feel less of a musical and more a tribute band!
The runway and the set design makes the concert scene a genuinely roof lifting moment! The audience couldn’t fail but get up on our feet and join in the atmosphere of a great British moment of patriotism against the American bullies!
Lisa Wright made the show for me with her heartfelt portrayal of Ray’s wife – Rasa. From her innocent yet tempting introduction, to her vulnerable rendition of ‘I close my eyes’, she had me watching her closely throughout the show, routing for her and hoping to see her back in the band alongside her husband.
The supporting cast brought the show ever more to the audience as they ran through the audience with ease. It felt as if we were genuinely being invited to take part, rather than a false musical theatre smile and clap!
A well written script dealt with the rags to riches story sensitively, without falling into the trap of sensationalism and glorification.
Andrew Gallo – playing Mick Avory was splendid in his musicality and portrayal of a brooding drummer, Mark Newnham played the erratic Dave Davies with perfection. His change of character from slightly mischievous child to drug fuelled troubled star and fragile brother was played to perfection and had me going from disdain to humour at his antics. Garmon Rhys was magical as the quiet Pete Quaife. His lack of chemistry with the other band members was exacerbated by the obvious chemistry between the brother characters as well as the hateful chemistry between Dave Davies and Mick Avory. It was a relief to see him back at the end of the show for someone who knows very little of the real Kinks.
This is a show for those who love The Kinks, love the 60s music, love Brit Pop, love musicals or don’t usually love musicals! I would give this a 5/5 for anyone with an interest in music, theatre, the gift of musicians and singers!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £17.90 to £64.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Sunny Afternoon is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 3 September 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
