North East Uncategorised News

Issue 117

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,…