The cast of the Hampstead Theatre production of Sunny Afternoon which will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre, London. Picture: Dominic Clemence
Sunny Afternoon, the critically acclaimed new musical which tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks, will open at the Harold Pinter Theatre in October 2014.
Following a sold-out run at Hampstead Theatre, this world premiere production, with music and lyrics by Ray Davies, new book by Joe Penhall, direction by Edward Hall, design by Miriam Buether and choreography by Adam Cooper, will begin previews on 4 October 2014 (press night is 28 October). Musical director is Elliott Ware, lighting is by Rick Fisher and sound by Matt McKenzie.
Tickets go on sale to priority bookers today and the box office opens for general on-sale on 30 June at 10am.
Featuring some of The Kinks’ 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.
Set against the back-drop of a Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 1950s and riotous 1960s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands and the irresistible music that influenced generations.
The principal cast members remain with the production: John Dagleish plays Ray Davies, George Maguire plays Dave Davies, Ned Derrington plays Pete Quaife and Adam Sopp plays Mick Avory – The Kinks.
The cast also includes: Carly Anderson, Philip Bird, Ben Caplan, Lillie Flynn, Emily Goodenough, Vince Leigh, Amy Ross, Dominic Tighe and Tam Williams, with further casting to be announced shortly.
Sunny Afternoon is presented by Sonia Friedman Productions with Greg Ripley-Duggan for Hampstead Theatre. Sonia Friedman Productions commissioned Joe Penhall in 2010 to write the book based on Ray Davies’ 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.
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.
www.sunnyafternoonthemusical.com
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