Sunny Afternoon, the critically acclaimed musical which tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks, now playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre London.

Following a sold-out run at Hampstead Theatre, this world premiere production, with music and lyrics by Ray Davies, new book by Joe Penhall, design by Miriam Buether, choreography by Adam Cooper and direction by Edward Hall.

Featuring some of The Kinks’s 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.

Full cast (from 6 April 2015): Carly Anderson, Jason Baughan, Philip Bird, John Dagleish, Ned Derrington, Lillie Flynn, Emily Goodenough, Elizabeth Hill, Vince Leigh, George Maguire, Amy Ross, Jo Servi, Adam Sopp, Dominic Tighe and Tam Williams.

Background

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.

 

 

 

The Kinks  Sunny Afternoon video

 

Creative

Ray Davies is an influential and prolific rock musician and was co-founder and lead singer and songwriter for rock band The Kinks, and later a solo artist. He has an outstanding catalogue of hits from the earliest 1960s to the present day with estimated record sales in excess of 50 million. He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theatre and television.

Joe Penhall is an award winning playwright and screenwriter. Plays include Some Voices (Royal Court), Blue/Orange (National Theatre and West End), winner of Best New Play at the Evening Standard Awards, Olivier Awards and at the Critics Circle, and Dumb Show, Haunted Child and Birthday (all Royal Court). Screenplays include Enduring Love and The Road.

Director, Edward Hall is Artistic Director of Hampstead theatre, where he has recently also directed Wonderland, the sell-out Raving in November and Chariots of Fire (Hampstead and West End). Other credits include No Naughty Bits, Loyalty and Enlightenment (all Hampstead Theatre) and as Artistic Director of award winning Propeller: Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, A Winter’s Tale and Henry V.

Adam Cooper is one of the UK’s leading dancers and choreographers. Having been a principle in the Royal Ballet and danced the lead in Matthew Bourne’s multi-award winning Swan Lake, he has choreographed On Your Toes, (Leicester Haymarket, Royal Festival Hall, Japanese tour); Singin’ In The Rain (Sadler’s Wells, Leicester Haymarket); Grand Hotel (Donmar); and Carousel, (UK Tour, Savoy Theatre) amongst others. He choreographed and co-directed Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Japanese tour and Sadler’s Wells, London) and Simply Cinderella (Curve, Leicester).

 

New Production Shots

 

 

 

 

Miriam Buether – Designer
Rick Fisher – Lighting Designer
Matt McKenzie – Sound Designer
Elliott Ware – Musical Supervisor & Director
Katherine Gant – Resident Director
Pete Friesen – Guitarist

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Now Playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre – Booking until 24 October 2015

 

Wheelchair Access

The Box Office and foyer are situated at street level. The Stalls seating is accessible down a flight of 23 steps. The Dress Circle seating has the easier access, being on foyer level and can provide up to 4 wheelchair spaces per performance. Seats in front of these spaces can be moved forward to accommodate longer chairs and small scooters – Please contact the access line to book and for more information on 0844 871 7677.

Hearing

They have a dual channel infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium. Using a headset (without a hearing aid) or one that is worn around the neck (with a hearing aid) you can boost the volume of the performance.

 

Harold Pinter Theatre Seating plan and

Official Website