Three decades before Oasis swaggered onto the scene, another pair of combustible brothers were redefining British music with raw charisma and rebellious charm.
Last night’s performance of Sunny Afternoon at the Sunderland Empire paid electrifying tribute to The Kinks, capturing the volatile genius of Ray and Dave Davies with both grit and glamour.
A jukebox musical in the best sense, Sunny Afternoon weaves the band’s iconic hits into a compelling narrative of fame, family, and fractured creativity. From the opening chords of You Really Got Me to the evocative strains of Waterloo Sunset, the production was a riot of 60s technicolor.
The set design shimmered with psychedelic hues and vintage textures, evoking Carnaby Street cool and the cultural upheaval of the era. Costume and lighting worked in perfect harmony, bathing the stage in a nostalgic glow.
The cast delivered with infectious energy and precision. Danny Horn as Ray Davies brought a quiet intensity and emotional depth to the role, balancing artistic vulnerability with flashes of defiance.
His brother Dave, all swagger and chaos, was played with magnetic flair by Oliver Hoare—equal parts comic relief and tragic foil. Their dynamic anchored the show, but the ensemble cast was equally impressive: tight harmonies, slick choreography, and seamless transitions kept momentum pulsing throughout.
Sunny Afternoon stands proudly alongside the greats of the jukebox musical genre. Like Jersey Boys and The Buddy Holly Story, it blends hit songs with story, pulling the curtain back on the lives behind the music.
And just when you thought it was over, the cast returned for an all-singing, all-dancing encore of Lola et al that had the whole theatre on its feet.
The British invasion was back, and Sunderland was powerless to resist.
Sunny Afternoon is playing at the Sunderland Empire til 8th November 2025. To browse tickets, see Sunderland Empire.