Sunny Afternoon, the critically acclaimed new musical which tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks, will open at the Harold Pinter Theatre in October 2014.
Following a sold-out run at Hampstead Theatre, this world premiere production, with music and lyrics by Ray Davies, new book by Joe Penhall, direction by Edward Hall, design by Miriam Buether and choreography by Adam Cooper, will begin previews on 4 October 2014. Musical Director is Elliott Ware, lighting is by Rick Fisher and sound by Matt McKenzie.
Tickets go on sale to priority bookers today and the Box Office opens for general on-sale on Monday 30 June at 10am.
Featuring some of The Kinks’ best-loved songs, including You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset and Lola, Sunny Afternoon marks the 50th Anniversary year of the band’s debut release.
The Kinks exploded onto the 60s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation. But how did that happen, where exactly did they come from and what happened next?
Set against the back-drop of a Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 50s and riotous 60s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands and the irresistible music that influenced generations.
The principal cast members remain with the production: John Dagleish plays Ray Davies, George Maguire plays Dave Davies, Ned Derrington plays Pete Quaife and Adam Sopp plays Mick Avory – The Kinks.
The cast also includes: Carly Anderson, Philip Bird, Ben Caplan, Lillie Flynn, Emily Goodenough, Vince Leigh, Amy Ross, Dominic Tighe and Tam Williams, with further casting to be announced shortly.
Sonia Friedman Productions commissioned Joe Penhall in 2010 to write the book based on Ray Davies’s original story. The company developed the production over the next four years, assembling the creative team and cast that presented Sunny Afternoon earlier this year at Hampstead Theatre under the direction of Edward Hall.