4.5 STARS March 28 – April 1. Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Sunny Afternoon is a cracking celebration of one of Britain's most iconic bands that cleverly works in elements of social commentary, says Harriet Noble
L to R: Garmon Rhys, Ryan O'Donnell, Andrew Gallo & Mark Newham
‘Out of work and got no money, a Sunday joint of bread of honey.’ So starts the story of the Kinks; the lyrics from the song Dead End Street depicting a life of hardship and strain that working-class Ray Davies (played by Ryan O’Donnell) and his family inhabit.
All this is about to change though as Sunny Afternoon takes us on a journey from the bands humble beginnings in Muswell Hill in the early 1960s, to their stratospheric rise in the British music scene to their stint touring the US which culminated in the band famously being thrown out of the US and having to return home.
The Swinging sixties are definitely in full swing in this production as flamboyant clothes, frivolous debauchery and a general euphoric feeling of being young and alive resonates loudly.
Sunny Afternoon was first performed in Hampstead Theatre in 2014 before it moved to the West End where it won a clutch of Laurence Olivier awards, including Best New Musical. Jammed packed with all-time favourites including Lola, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, Waterloo Sunset and You Really Got me, it has understandably proved to be a hit.
More than just a biopic of the band and a run-through of their hits though, the musical boasts a backdrop that ambitiously explores the political and social changes of the 1960s; the breakdown of class barriers and the widening expanse between younger and older generations.
What is seamlessly done is the integration of songs into the narrative of the Kinks journey. The potent ‘Sitting in my Hotel ’is a beautiful moment of a telephone conversation between Ray and his wife Rasa (played by Lisa Wright) where Ray, stuck in the US, is homesick and pining for Britain and his family. Likewise, ‘Till the end of the Day’ with lyrics: ‘You and me we're free, we do as we please’ showcases the wild, heady alcohol-filled days of hedonism had by the band.
The song, Sunny Afternoon, as you might expect, is a particular highlight. Released in the summer of 1966, coinciding with the football win for England in the World Cup final, the song is performed with Union Jack paraphernalia, much joy and gusto and an unspoken invitation to join in. It is an unadulterated celebration of Britishness and allows the fans in the audience to sing along, which everyone was itching to do.
Ryan O’Donnell brilliantly encapsulates the talented but dreamy songwriter Ray Davis, caught up in sadness and frustration. Mark Newnham also shines as brother Dave, often the clown, sometimes the fool. Sunny Afternoon is one of those musicals where the supporting cast all play lots of different characters and lots of different instruments. The versatility and scope of their talents is truly spectacular and like a Greek chorus sets the scene for tragedy, so the supporting cast set the scene for exhilarating fun. Director Edward Hall does a great job of creating an atmosphere where the audience feel likes like they are not only attending, but are part of the greatest rock concert ever.
After the musical ends with a rendition of the sublime Waterloo Sunset, the performers come back onto the stage and perform some of the big, rousing hits. The audience is up on their feet, clapping hands, dancing and singing - for we know all the words and are overjoyed to be singing them.
- Sunny Afternoon runs from March 28 – April 1. For tickets visit atgtickets.com
Check out Theatre/Arts Section for more great local thespian news, reviews and interviews
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on our latest articles
Sign up to our Weekly Newsletter for exclusive competitions, offers and stories
Looking to advertise your business in Surrey or SW London? Check out our 11 different lifestyle magazines with a combined monthly distribution of over 210,000
