The ShowSunny Afternoon is the story of one of the most influential bands of the 60s, The Kinks, and their extraordinary rise to fame. Exploding onto the 60's music scene, The Kinks paved the way for the next decade of rock, with a raw and energetic new sound that took the nation by storm. Set against a backdrop of Britain in the midst of change between the conservative 50s and the swinging 60s, the show explores the highs and lows of one of the country's most iconic bands. From humble beginnings on the streets of North London to the euphoric heights of a string of chart topping hits, Sunny Afternoon gives you a real glimpse into the highs and lows of pop success.Witness brothers Ray and Dave Davies joining forces to write their first songs, recruiting Pete Quaife on bass and Mick Avory to play drums before following the loves and losses the band encounter on their rocky road to fame. Find out how The Kinks invaded the American pop scene, before being banned from the country at the height of their career, as Sunny Afternoon draws you into their whirlwind of a story. Featuring the bands chart-topping singles, you can sing and dance along to all your favourite songs as the electrifying story unfolds. It really is a musical like no other.
History of Sunny AfternoonOn 13th December 2013, it was officially confirmed that a musical based around band The Kinks would have its world premiere at the Hampstead Theatre in the spring of 2014. The show's official opening night was on May 14th 2014, with a limited run planned until 24th May 2014. The show did so well that in late June of that year it was confirmed the production would be moving to the West End, with opening night at the Harold Pinter Theatre showing on 28th October 2014.
Why book London Theatre Breaks to see Sunny Afternoon?Playwright Joe Penhall has successfully combined the excitement of a music concert with a fantastic theatrical performance to create a riveting show that you won't want to miss out on. The show will have you singing from your seats, not only to the sound of rock 'n' roll, but of the extra money in your pocket you saved on your tickets and hotel by booking with Hotel Direct.
Awards and what the critics say'A blazing triumph. I swear you'll get goosebumps.' - The Daily Telegraph
'A belter! Funny, stylish, well-performed - it has everything The Kinks had.' - Daily Mail
'Stormingly successful. I defy anyone to resist it.' - The Financial Times
Interesting facts about Sunny Afternoon- The song 'Sunny Afternoon' was actually made in the morning. In a rolling Stone interview in 1969, Ray Davies said, "Sunny Afternoon was made very quickly, in the morning; it was one of our most atmospheric sessions."
- Ray Davies decided on the name The Kinks as the shortest names were always printed bigger on show bills. The Kinks were second in shortness only to The Who.
- An unresolved dispute with the American Federation of Musicians during a 1965 tour, led to a ban on US appearances which lasted until 1969.
