Last night I was invited to see Sunny Afternoon at the Wales Millennium Centre, and it turned out to be the perfect show to welcome in the summer. I’ve always loved The Kinks — I grew up listening to their records from my parents’ collection, and You Really Got Me has lived permanently on my summertime playlist — but I knew surprisingly little about the band’s story. What unfolded on stage was a lively, funny, and unexpectedly emotional journey through the highs, lows, and constant friction, both in and outside the band, that shaped one of Britain’s most iconic rock groups.

From the start, the production captured the unmistakable look and feel of the late 60s and early 70s. The staging, lighting, and costumes created a world drenched in vintage colour and atmosphere, instantly transporting the audience into the era that shaped The Kinks’ sound. It’s a show that feels both nostalgic and electric.

What sets Sunny Afternoon apart from other band‑biography musicals is the way the songs are woven into the storytelling. Some numbers are performed as if you’re right there at a Kinks concert, complete with raw, infectious rock‑and‑roll energy. Others are threaded through the narrative, giving us glimpses into the moments, tensions, and inspirations that sparked these legendary tracks. It’s a clever balance — one that lets the audience revel in the thrill of live performance while also understanding the creative heartbeat behind the music.

At the centre of it all is Ray Davies’ songwriting genius, portrayed with remarkable depth and sensitivity by Danny Horn. He captures Ray’s passion, vulnerability, and fierce determination to protect his music, grounding the show with emotional truth. Alongside him, Oliver Hoare delivers a standout performance as Dave Davies — the rebellious, unpredictable, wildly charismatic younger brother whose talent and chaos shaped the band as much as Ray’s vision did. Their dynamic is the soul of the show: complicated, fiery, and utterly compelling.

Completing the iconic line‑up are Zakarie Stokes as Mick Avory and Harry Curley as Peter Quaife, both of whom bring sharp musicianship and understated charm to the stage. Together, the four create a band that feels authentic.

The supporting cast is equally impressive: Ben Caplan as Eddie Kassner, Tam Williams as Grenville Collins, Victoria Anderson as Gwen, Deryn Edwards as Mrs. Davies, Joseph Richardson as Robert Wace, and Lisa Wright as Rasa, each adding texture, humour, and heart to the story. The ensemble — James Hudson, Alicia Ally, Morgan Burgess, James Chisholm, Phil Corbitt, Alasdair Craig, Dominic Gee‑Burch, Kristian Jacobs, Robin Johnson, Sorrel Jordan, Jada Langley, Timothy Roberts, Georgiana Wainwright‑Jones and Emily Whitby‑Samways — bring the world of the show to life with astonishing versatility. Their ability to shift between characters, instruments, and musical styles is nothing short of remarkable.

What really shines through is the sheer talent on stage. This cast doesn’t just sing — they play. Guitars, drums, trumpets, and more fill the theatre with live sound, giving the production an energy that feels immediate and exhilarating. It’s rock theatre at it was meant to be: loud, joyful, and full of soul.

By the end of the night, the audience was buzzing. Sunny Afternoon is fun, energetic, and irresistibly upbeat — a celebration of The Kinks’ music that feels as fresh and beloved today as it did in the 60s and 70s. With its talented cast, vibrant staging, and heartfelt storytelling, this is a show that leaves you smiling long after the final chord rings out.

Sunny Afternoon will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until 30th May, and tickets are selling out fast, so get yours now!

You can find out more about Sunny Afternoon on their website, Facebook and Instagram!

And keep a look out for what’s going on at the Wales Millennium Centre on their website, Facebook and Instagram!

All photo credits to Manuel Harlan.