Sunny Afternoon - New Wimbledon Theatre

Most of us are familiar with the music of The Kinks, whether by name or simply by recognising one of their iconic tunes. Yet far fewer of us know the band’s full story—how it began with brothers Ray and Dave Davies and grew into one of the most influential British groups of the 20th century. Their legacy reaches far beyond a playlist of hits, and Sunny Afternoon aims to trace the emotion, conflict, and ambition behind that legacy.

Over the past two years of reviewing, this writer has seen more than their fair share of jukebox biography musicals, and not many have been standout successes. From Tina to The Drifters’ Girl to Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, they tend to share one key trait: they cater heavily to a specific fanbase. They’re made for the fans, rarely managing to branch out and draw in new audiences. Whilst this may seem like a negative point for many avid theatregoers, in retrospect it’s those kinds of shows that often bring non-theatregoers into the world of live performance. And setting aside the risks of poor theatre etiquette, that first experience of live theatre is something I truly believe everyone should have at least once. Sunny Afternoon may follow this pattern to an extent, but it brings something rarer to the table—heart, and a surprising amount of emotional honesty.

Manuel Harlan

This is no warm and fuzzy Hallmark-style tale. Instead, it shines a light on one of the toughest, most uncomfortable realities of the entertainment industry: corporate greed and the human flaws tied up in it. It’s a difficult thing to comprehend and empathise with as someone whose connection to the music industry begins and ends with an extensive vinyl collection or a well-curated Spotify playlist. Yet shedding light on the realities behind such an idealised career path isn’t just interesting—it’s invaluable. The show manages to make these behind-the-scenes battles feel immediate and personal, grounding the larger-than-life mythology often associated with bands of this era.

The set design in this production is especially striking. A massive backdrop of speakers gives the stage the feel of a fully equipped recording studio, enveloping the audience in the world The Kinks inhabited. It’s clever, well-considered, and highly practical, allowing for smooth transitions between scenes without ever breaking the show’s energy. More than that, it becomes a powerful visual metaphor for the band itself, and for the gradual loss of control over the thing they cared about most—their music.

Manuel Harlan

The casting for this production is stellar. The band of four—Danny Horn, Oliver Hoare, Harry Curley, and Zakarie Stokes—are all skilled musicians with remarkable chemistry and charm as a group. It’s often the case that when a show lacks strong material, the cast’s enthusiasm can still elevate it into something beloved. When performers genuinely believe in the material and in each other, that connection reaches the audience far more effectively than words or melodies alone. Of course, this is not to say that Sunny Afternoon’s material is weak, but it is clearly not the strongest piece of writing in the jukebox canon. Still, the cast’s bond and commitment make all the difference between an enjoyable, memorable evening and a potential disappointment.

In conclusion, Sunny Afternoon may not reinvent the jukebox musical, but it invests deeply in the humanity of its story and the spirit of its music. With a heartfelt core, clever design, and a cast that radiates authenticity, it offers a compelling and surprisingly introspective look at a band most of us know only through the radio. For fans and newcomers alike, it’s an evening that proves The Kinks’ music—and their story—still resonate powerfully today.

Production Value: 60

Value For Money: 65

Personal Enjoyment: 60

Overall Score: 62% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: New Wimbledon Theatre, London

Playing until: 29th November 2025, before moving on to the next venue

Run Time: Approximately 2h30 - including a 20-minute interval

Tickets for this venue, and all subsequent touring venues, can be found at this link.