This archive review records Sunny Afternoon, the Kinks musical, as I saw it during its 2016 UK tour at the Orchard Theatre.
Overview
I was ridiculously excited to see Sunny Afternoon. I was born in the 1980s, but some of the Kinks songs were already tied to memories of family parties and hearing music in the kitchen while Mum was cooking.
The musical tells the story of the Kinks and the Davies brothers through their music, success, pressures and personal relationships.
Cast
The original post praised the performers playing Ray and Dave Davies, particularly the actor playing Dave for the character’s quirky humour. The surviving post does not reliably record those performers’ names, so I’m preserving the review without guessing at the cast.
Creative Team
Sunny Afternoon is built around the music and story of the Kinks. This page remains a record of the 2016 touring production rather than being updated with later companies.
My Review
The show blew me away — at times it felt like watching the real thing. I loved how it explored the band’s lives alongside the music, including the financial pressures, relationships and the highs and lows behind their success.
The history woven through the show made me feel part of their story, and I came away having fallen in love with even more of the Kinks’ songs. The portrayal of Dave was particularly funny and full of personality.
Simply beautiful, mesmerising and powerful.
Production Images
Dates / Tour
This review records the 2016 UK touring production at the Orchard Theatre. The old Orchard booking link has been removed because it no longer represents a current production.
Related Clarissa’s Corner Theatre Archive
The Sound of Music – Orchard Theatre 2016
Rehearsal for Murder – Orchard Theatre 2016
Dirty Dancing – UK Tour 2016
Latest Update
August 2026: This page has been restored as a historical Clarissa’s Corner theatre record. The original production images and personal memories have been retained, while obsolete booking information and legacy formatting have been removed.
Oh wow this sounds like an amazing show – I have to admit I’ve not heard of it before (though I have heard of The Kinks) I’ll have to keep an eye out to see if it ends up near here.
I’ve heard of The Kinks before, these are good to expose new fans and a trip down memory lane for old ones I’m sure. x
I’ve never heard of this one but I absolutely love musicals! Rent is my favourite 🙂
Not heard of this musical before but it looks great, I am a big fan of musicals because they are so fun
I’ve wanted to see this for a while so definitely going to push myself to try and grab tickets x
This looks like a super show to go to! If I lived nearby I’d definitely be checking them out!
This sounds fantastic! What an amazing idea for a show & I love The Kinks!
Sounds like a fun show – I listened to the Kinks with my parents when I was younger so might take them to see it!
Sounds like a really amazing show, not heard of then kinks before but will check them out
My folks have heard of The Kinks before! This looks like a fantastic show with a great musical score!
Oooh I havent heard of this show before but I’ll certainly look out for it as I love muscials xxx
This sounds like an interesting show. Would love to check it out.
I have heard of them but don’t really think I could name of there songs
Oh wow this sounds like such an intersting piece!! I’ve not yet heard of it but would be really interested in giving it a go!
I’ve wanted to see this for a while, I might have to make a little pre-Christmas visit to go and see it x
This show sounds so good, not one over heard of before, however I’ve heard of the kinks. It’s nice that you got some nostalgia from it, nothing sticks like songs from your childhood.
I’ve heard of the Kinks before but not of this show. I do quite enjoy musicals so might go see this 😉
Sound like a really great show!!! I would definitely love to see it. I love musicals they are so much fun!!
I love the theatre I wish I went more often. This sounds like a great musical. R
I love going to see musicals – I’ve always loved going to the theatre since I was little. Glad you had fun x
Oh wow!
That show looks amazing! Defo something I would love to go see with my OH or BFF.
Thanks so much for sharing this hun – Off to take a look at their site.
Charlotte x