Electric, effervescent, and effortlessly entertaining - Sunny Afternoon brings the music of The Kinks to MK Theatre until 28th March.
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
by Shahnaz (Shiny) Hussain
From the moment this show settles into its stride, it becomes clear you’re in for something special. What begins in a stark recording studio - its walls lined with bare speakers - quickly transforms into a vibrant, kinetic world where energy ricochets from every corner of the stage. The production soon finds its rhythm, and from there it never lets up.
At the heart of it all is a brilliantly written story, elevated by sharp, witty, and genuinely comic dialogue (Ray Davies and Joe Penhall). The pacing is slick, with seamless transitions that keep the narrative moving at an exhilarating pace. The choreography is fresh and inventive - at times delightfully reminiscent of Monty Python - adding a layer of playful unpredictability that perfectly complements the tone.
The cast is nothing short of extraordinary. Each performer proves to be a true multi-talented actor, musician, singer, and dancer all rolled into one. Their talent and versatility are astonishing, delivering high-energy performances with such ease that it all feels completely natural. Whether playing instruments live or moving through tightly choreographed sequences, the ensemble radiates confidence and cohesion.
The music, of course, is the lifeblood of the show. The songs of The Kinks are not just performed, they are reimagined, woven seamlessly into the storytelling in ways that both honour the originals and propel the narrative forward. The moment the band hits that iconic “You Really Got Me” riff is electrifying; it sends a shiver down your spine and instantly transports you back to the raw excitement of the 1960s. You can’t help but imagine what it must have felt like to experience that sound for the first time.
There are also wonderfully inventive touches throughout. One standout moment sees Ray Davies being handed a typewriter and instructed to write a song - turning it into a percussive instrument as he types out a rhythm. It’s quirky, clever, and completely memorable.
The performances portraying the legendary band members are particularly strong. Danny Horn captures Ray Davies with nuance and depth, while Oliver Hoare brings a compelling edge to Dave Davies. Harry Curley and Zakarie Stokes complete the core lineup with equally impressive portrayals, the latter delivering a thrilling drum solo that earned truly deserved rapturous applause from the audience. The supporting cast is just as remarkable, notably Lisa Wright as Rasa, with her beautiful voice and many others who take on multiple roles so convincingly that the production feels far larger than it is. The ensemble harmonies are lush and powerful, adding emotional weight throughout.
What stands out most is how effortless everything feels. Nothing is forced; every performance is grounded, authentic, believable and deeply engaging. The direction (Edward Hall) is superb, guiding a truly unique vision that feels cohesive and inspired from start to finish.
This is not just another jukebox musical. It’s an intelligent, thoughtfully crafted piece of theatre with real depth, detail, and originality. It doesn’t simply recycle familiar songs, it breathes new life into them, reigniting your connection to the music.
By the end, you leave with a renewed appreciation not only for Ray Davies and his extraordinary songwriting, but for the entire legacy of the band. It even sparks rediscovery, realising that songs you’ve long loved, like “I Go to Sleep” and “Stop Your Sobbing” (famously covered by The Pretenders), were part of that legacy all along.
It’s the kind of show that doesn’t just entertain, it reignites something inside you. A reminder of the power of music, storytelling, and live performance when they come together at their very best.
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