Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks Musical – Review
AD: Press Tickets thanks to Malvern Theatres
Celebrating the iconic sound of the Kinks, Sunny Afternoon is a high-energy, active musical. Ray Davies wrote the music, lyrics and original story. So as far as any musical can do, Sunny Afternoon tells a true account of one of the bands that shaped music in the 60s. It doesn’t pull any punches or make it look more glamorous than it was – but it still made me want to go back in time and live the whole era alongside the band.
About Sunny Afternoon
Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the Kinks led by Ray Davies as they rose to fame from working class Muswell Hill in London. It follows them from the release of their first single to finally making it to number one in the charts with You Really Got Me. From there, we see them heading across the pond on tour, where things start to unravel.
As well as the music and excitement, Sunny Afternoon tells a very human tale of a disrupted family life. It depicts Ray Davies feeling homesick, having left his new wife at home with a very young baby when the band were forced to tour America. The show covers some sticky subjects too. Like the tiny royalties paid to such a huge band, difficult relationships between the musicians and hinting at the misuse of alcohol.
Sunny Afternoon started on the West End, winning four Olivier Awards. It toured the UK as a sell-out in 2016-17 and this year’s tour continues until the end of May.
What I thought of Sunny Afternoon at Malvern Theatres
Many years ago, I listened to Ray Davies talking and performing a few songs with an acoustic guitar in a small venue in Laugharne. He was fascinating, with many an interesting anecdote. And there’s no better way to understand the story of such a notable musician than through his music.
I always appreciate the calibre of shows that come to Malvern Theatres. But this is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. The combination of gritty subjects, emotive music and a fun atmosphere on stage combine to keep the audience fully engaged throughout.
Whilst the topics are heavy, the music keeps it light and engaging. Throughout the performance, the Kinks songs illustrate the story. Particular highlights for me were a wonderful a cappella version of Thank You For The Days, and the show’s finale featuring my personal favourite Kinks song, Lola.
Sunny Afternoon – FAQs
Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th March 2026.
Tickets can be booked through the Malvern Theatres website or from their box office.
The age guidance for the musical is 12 years and over, due to strong language and some adult themes. However, this will very much depend on the child. It actually didn’t cross my mind to take my children who are aged 11 and 13, but by the interval I wished I’d taken them because I know they would have enjoyed it.
Sunny Afternoon lasts around two hours and 45 minutes including an interval.
After Malvern, Sunny Afternoon heads to Torquay before moving on to Milton Keynes, Richmond, Stoke, Stockton, Leicester, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Inverness, Liverpool and Cardiff. Dates and details are on the Kinks Musical website.
