THE multi-Olivier award winning musical Sunny Afternoon, based on the rise to stardom of The Kinks, is returning for its second UK tour, with dates at Sunderland Empire.

Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and who explosion of The Kinks on to the 1960s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation.

Recipient of four Olivier Awards, including best new musical and outstanding achievement in music for Ray Davies, Sunny Afternoon features some of The Kinks’ best-loved songs, including You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, All Day and All of the Night and Lola.

Producer Sonia Friedman said: “I’ve loved this musical from the moment Ray Davies, Joe Penhall, Ed Hall and I started to develop it several years ago and am incredibly excited and proud that we are bringing back our joyous and celebratory Olivier Award-winning best new musical.

The Northern Echo:

“For those who missed it the first-time round, UK audiences will have the treat of experiencing it for the very first time or, if you’ve seen it before, you’ll be able to see it again and again.

“The Kinks helped shape a generation and Ray’s beautifully truthful lyrics and music are as exhilarating and relevant today as the day he wrote them. I’m so happy we will all get a chance to see Sunny Afternoon soon – I’ve missed it in my life.’

Davies added: “In these times of political uncertainties, it is a relief to know that Sunny Afternoon is on the horizon to lift our spirits.”

Set against the backdrop of a Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 1950s and riotous 1960s, the production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most celebrated bands and the music that influenced generations.

Following a sell-out run at Hampstead Theatre, Sunny Afternoon opened to critical acclaim at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End in October 2014 where it ran for two years ahead of its critically-acclaimed, five-star tour of the UK and Ireland throughout 2016/17.

Sunny Afternoon has music and lyrics by Ray Davies with a book by Joe Penhall and original story by Ray Davies. It is directed by Edward Hall and designed by Miriam Buether with choreography by Adam Cooper. Lighting design is by Rick Fisher with sound design by Matt McKenzie. Musical and vocal adaptations are by Ray Davies and Elliott Ware based on original Kinks’ recordings.

  • Sunny Afternoon comes to the Sunderland Empire from Tuesday, September 22 to Saturday, September 26. Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com/sunderland, in person at the Box Office on High Street West, or from the ticket centre on 0844 871 3022. Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your standard network charge. Booking fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.