Sunny Afternoon The Kinks Musical at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
Sunny Afternoon the Kinks musical charts the story of the early days of the band and the era defining sound of the 1960s, is this week on at the Theatre Royal Nottingham as part of a nationwide tour. After a successful run in London’s West End where the musical picked up an Olivier Award, it brings the energy, swagger and incredible catalogue of classic songs to the stage.
Starring Danny Horn who is incredible as Ray Davies, encapsulating his attitude, stage presence and thoughtful intensity and Oliver Hoare as his younger brother Dave Davies, who is wild, unpredictable and flamboyant. These two are the original rock and roll feuding siblings who make up half of the band. The dynamic between them gives emotional weight to the storyline. As musicians in their own right these actors aren’t just lip synching, they are delivering authentic energy and drive to the tracks that feel like you are really seeing The Kinks themselves in concert. Joining them to make up the quartet are Zakarie Stokes making his acting debut as Mike Avory and Harry Curley as Pete Quaife.
Young, naive and passionate about their talent to play music they are taken under the wings of management of Larry Page, played by Alasdair Craig. He negotiated contracts for the band which gave him control and the lion’s share of their income leading to a bitter dispute. Eddie Kassner played by Ben Caplan dealt with them succeeding in America which led to more disputes, behaviour complaints and amplified the internal friction between the brothers Ray and Dave. Phil Corbitt plays the boy’s father, Mr Davies and Deryn Edwards their mother, Mrs Davies with Lisa Wright joining as Rasa the first wife of Ray, who he meets on tour as well as a host of talented actors playing multiple supporting roles.
Visually, there is so much to love about this musical. William Fricker, stage designer captures the spirt of the era with the walls of the stage lined with speakers and the drumkit paced centre stage throughout. Guitar riffs felt like they were plucked from the 1960s, and performances of Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me, Lola and All Day and All of the Night to name just a few, rippled through the theatre with everyone smiling and toe tapping throughout. It was great to see everyone on their feet for the final medley.
Running at 2 hours and 40 minutes including a 20 minute interval don’t miss this slice of rock history, whether you are a fan of the Kinks or not this show delivers nostalgia and fun that stays long after the curtain falls.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £35 (booking fees may apply).
Sunny Afternoon is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 21 February 2026. For more information or to book tickets visit trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5N