BWW Reviews: SUNNY AFTERNOON, Harold Pinter Theatre, October 25 2014

Having missed the opportunity to see Sunny Afternoon during its run at the Hampstead Theatre, I was thrilled (and not at all surprised) when it was announced earlier this year that it would be transferring to the West End. The biographical show detailing the history of Ray Davies and The Kinks, is different in that alongside all of the hit songs we all know and love, it takes us through all of the personal and professional tribulations the band went through during their rise to fame in the 1960s.

The Kinks are well known for their loud sound and even from the opening riff of 'You Really Got Me', the audience are captivated and transported back to 1964 when the band burst onto the British music scene. The story details the band's struggles to break America as they refuse to change their unique sound to please agents, producers and their managers and their refusal to conform to the strict restrictions placed on artists touring America during that time.

John Dagleish as Ray Davies perfectly captures the uncertainty and vulnerability felt during the band's early years. A particularly touching scene depicts Ray while he is on tour in America, suffering from homesickness as he his separated from his new wife Rasa (Lillie Flynn) and newborn daughter. George Maguire as Ray's wild younger brother Dave, Adam Sopp as drummer Mick Avory and Ned Derrington as Pete Quaife deliver sterling performances as the other members of The Kinks as they all struggle with their new-found fame.

The set design by Miriam Buether is also unique in its layout - a catwalk coming out from the middle of the stage with tables for audience members to sit around means they are able to really feel part of the action. The cast use the stalls' aisles throughout the production, which again offers some of the best audience interaction at a musical I have seen in a long time. There are some fantastic supporting performances from Dominic Tighe and Tam Williams as the band's first managers, Philip Bird as Ray and Dave's father and Vince Leigh and Ben Caplan as Larry Page and Eddie Kassner respectively.

The fluidity with which the script and songs interlock is testament to Joe Penhall's writing and Edward Hall's direction. Although nearly three hours long, the energy and enthusiasm from the cast ensures the time flies by. With hit songs including Sunny Afternoon, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset and Lola, I have no doubt that fans both old and new will be on their feet, singing along by the time the final number rolls around.

Photo Credit: Alastair Muir