We were at opening night of Sunny Afternoon at 
Milton Keynes Theatre, and what unfolded was an electrifying, high-energy tribute to one of Britain’s most iconic bands, The Kinks.
Telling the true story of the band, the show is packed with era-defining hits including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night,” bringing their legacy roaring to life on stage. From the very first note, it’s clear this is more than just a musical—it’s a full-throttle concert experience that had the audience completely hooked.
At its heart, Sunny Afternoon charts the rise of The Kinks from their working-class roots in North London to international stardom, navigating the highs of chart success and the challenges that came with fame. With music and lyrics by Ray Davies and a book by Joe Penhall, the production offers an honest and engaging portrayal of the band’s journey—exploring creative tensions, complex family dynamics, and the shifting cultural landscape of the 1960s.
Directed by Edward Hall and brought to the stage by Sonia Friedman Productions, the show balances sharp storytelling with a powerful musical punch, capturing the raw energy and distinctive sound that defined The Kinks.
The cast are spectacular. The four band members—Ray Davies (Danny Horn), Dave Davies (Oliver Hoare), Peter Quaife (Harry Curley), and Mick Avory (Zakarie Stokes)—work in perfect harmony amidst the chaos of the band itself. Their chemistry feels completely authentic, reflecting both the unity and tension that drove the group’s success.
A true standout is Danny Horn as Ray Davies. His performance is sensational—portraying not just the frontman, but the man behind the music. He brings real depth to the role, capturing Ray’s vulnerability, the pressure of constantly creating new material, and the haunting impact of his past. The production touches on the devastating loss of his older sister, Rene, who died of a heart attack while dancing at a ballroom on his 13th birthday in 1957—earlier that same day, she had gifted him his first Spanish guitar. This tragedy would later inspire the 1982 Kinks hit Come Dancing, adding an extra layer of poignancy to his story. His relationship with his brother Dave—played brilliantly as the wilder, more unpredictable force in the band—adds another compelling layer to the narrative.
Even for those who may not know much about The Kinks, the show is incredibly immersive. You come away with a newfound appreciation for the music, but also a deeper understanding that life in a superstar rock band isn’t all glitz and glamour. Themes of financial strain, the pressure to produce hits, homesickness, and the challenge of “breaking America” all come through powerfully.
The staging is simple yet highly effective, seamlessly transitioning from intimate backstage moments to full-scale concert scenes without the need for elaborate set changes. The cast frequently move into the stalls, engaging directly with the audience and creating a real sense of energy and connection throughout.
Visually, the production is a triumph. The costumes and hair are sensationally 60's, with huge credit to Carole Hancock and Deborah Andrews for bringing that era to life so vividly. And the music—performed live with a raw, electric edge—is outstanding. On more than one occasion, the bass quite literally reverberates through you.
The finale is sheer theatre magic. The audience were on their feet, fully swept up in the moment, enthusiastically encouraged by the cast to sing and dance along—it’s impossible not to get involved.
For us, Sunny Afternoon is an absolute must-see. It’s uplifting, nostalgic, and packed with unforgettable performances. It might not be something you’d typically book—but it’s the kind of show that genuinely stays with you long after the curtain falls. We came away not only pleasantly surprised, but still talking about it and urging everyone we know to go and see it.
