Sunny Afternoon
New Victoria Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 1st November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed on Tuesday 1st November 2016 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★★
I wouldn't say I'm the biggest fan of The Kinks but I know pretty much all their music thanks to my dad playing it everyday of my childhood and I'd heard incredible things about Sunny Afternoon from so many people but for some reason I never got round to seeing it in the West End so when I got the chance to review the tour I was very excited!
Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the trials and tribulations faced by the iconic London rock band The Kinks during their rise to fame. We watch as Ray, Dave, Mick and Pete become massive stars, meet girls, fall in love, attempt to break America, swing from chandeliers and begin to fight between themselves. Its a truly real and raw representation of what I imagine their rollercoaster lives were really like. The stars of the show bring the whole thing to life truly embodying the band as well as showing of their real life musical talents, singing, dancing and playing anything from washboards to trombones.
After seeing the show I can completely understand why the shows West End counterpoint was Olivier award winning, the whole production was exciting and compelling. Miriam Buether's fabulous set made up of hundreds of old speakers created a simplistic but effective setting which really evoked the 60s feel. Obviously the soundtrack is wonderful, featuring all the hit songs such as 'Waterloo Sunset', 'You Really Got Me' and of course the namesake 'Sunny Afternoon'. Every song and scene merge together greatly to deliver punch after punch and keep the momentum going all the way through.
Each performance is full of energy and feels truthful and realistic. Ryan O'Donnell is a fabulous front man, capturing the reflective and talented Ray Davies wonderfully, especially in the heart breaking song with his wife. Mark Newenham is a great Dave Davies, who we really see develop throughout through his growing resentment towards the other members of the band. Garmon Rhys and Andrew Gallo as Pete and Mick respectively complement the rest of the cast perfectly and the overall dynamic is truly faultless.
Although there are many people heartbroken about Sunny Afternoon closing in the West End, I'm sure fans across the country will delight in this tour and enjoy a fun, rebellious, upbeat andexciting night out at this fantastic British musical!
Sunny Afternoon is on at the New Victoria Theatre until November 5th, after which it will continue on its tour round the county. To book tickets visit ATG tickets.
