The Story of The Kinks
Sunny Afternoon chronicles The Kinks' journey from their working-class Muswell Hill roots through unprecedented success and eventual creative redemption. The story centers on Ray Davies, whose songwriting genius drives the band's rise but whose perfectionism and difficult personality create constant tension with his younger brother Dave, whose distorted guitar riffs became The Kinks' signature sound.
Exploding Onto the Scene
The musical opens with The Kinks exploding onto the British music scene in 1964 with You Really Got Me—a raw, distorted anthem that challenged The Beatles' polished dominance and helped define rock music's future. Ray and Dave Davies, bassist Pete Quaife, and drummer Mick Avory suddenly found themselves at the center of Britain's cultural revolution.
The American Ban
Success brings complications. The American Federation of Musicians bans The Kinks from touring the United States for four years following altercations during their 1965 American tour—a devastating blow during the British Invasion's peak. Meanwhile, Ray and Dave's sibling rivalry intensifies, fueled by creative differences and the pressures of fame.
Creative Evolution
The narrative explores Ray's marriages, his struggles with depression and creative blocks, financial exploitation by managers, and the band's gradual evolution from rebellious rockers to sophisticated social commentators. Songs like Waterloo Sunset and Sunny Afternoon reflect Ray's increasingly introspective songwriting, capturing both nostalgia for working-class London and disillusionment with fame.
Perseverance and Legacy
Through lineup changes, commercial disappointments, and personal crises, The Kinks persevered—creating music that influenced generations while maintaining their distinctly British identity. The musical celebrates their resilience while honestly examining the toll success took on relationships and creative spirit.
The Music
Ray Davies's songs provide Sunny Afternoon's emotional and narrative foundation, adapted brilliantly by Davies himself alongside Elliott Ware. The production features 29 Kinks classics, performed with reverence for the originals while embracing theatrical possibilities. The soundtrack spans their remarkable range—from hard-driving rockers to gentle ballads, from satirical commentaries to introspective masterpieces.
Iconic Hits Include
- You Really Got Me
- Waterloo Sunset
- Lola
- Sunny Afternoon
- All Day and All of the Night
- Dedicated Follower of Fashion
- Dead End Street
- Days
- Tired of Waiting for You
Production Design
Edward Hall's direction balances energetic concert sequences with intimate dramatic moments. Miriam Buether's design evokes multiple locations—recording studios, concert halls, family homes—with theatrical economy, using projections and lighting to create atmosphere. Adam Cooper's choreography captures sixties movement vocabularies, while Rick Fisher's lighting design shifts from harsh spotlight intensity to warm nostalgia.
Creative Team
- Music & Lyrics: Ray Davies
- Book: Joe Penhall
- Director: Edward Hall
- Designer: Miriam Buether
- Choreographer: Adam Cooper
- Lighting: Rick Fisher
- Sound: Matt McKenzie
- Musical Supervision: Elliott Ware
Performance Schedule
- Tuesday-Saturday: 7:30pm
- Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm matinee
- Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes including interval
Running Dates
Sunny Afternoon plays at Alexandra Palace Theatre from 15-31 January 2026. The production also appears at New Wimbledon Theatre (25-29 November 2025) and Richmond Theatre (31 March - 4 April 2026) as part of its major UK tour. Given the show's popularity and limited London dates, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Age Guidance & Content Warnings
Recommended for ages 12+
Sunny Afternoon contains strong language, references to sex and drugs, and themes of mental health struggles. While the production celebrates rock music's exuberance, it honestly addresses substance use, depression, and relationship difficulties. The content reflects the realities of 1960s rock culture without glorification.
Getting There
- Train: Alexandra Palace Station (5-minute walk)
- Tube: Wood Green (Northern line), then W3 bus
- Bus: W3 or Alexandra Palace shuttle bus
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Note: Alexandra Palace is located in North London with panoramic views across the city
Alexandra Palace Theatre
This beautifully restored Victorian theatre sits within the historic Alexandra Palace complex, offering stunning views across London. The venue combines period architectural splendor with modern technical capabilities. Capacity: 1,300. The atmospheric setting perfectly complements Sunny Afternoon's 1960s nostalgia.
Why Alexandra Palace?
Alexandra Palace holds special significance for this production—the Davies brothers grew up in nearby Muswell Hill, North London. Ray and Dave Davies's working-class upbringing in this neighborhood profoundly influenced their songwriting. Bringing Sunny Afternoon to Alexandra Palace creates a meaningful homecoming, staging The Kinks' story where it actually began.
Accessibility
Alexandra Palace Theatre offers wheelchair accessible seating and hearing assistance systems. Please note that some areas of this historic Grade II listed building require stair navigation. Contact the venue in advance to discuss specific accessibility requirements and ensure optimal seating arrangements.
