Hi!!!
You know what we haven't done in ages? Talked all things theatre. It's honestly because I just haven't been able to go as much as I'd like to. Anyway, I was recently treated to tickets for Sunny Afternoon and I want to tell you all about it. This will be slightly different to the way I've done theatre reviews in the past, so let me know if you like it (or not).
"We're working class socialists from Muswell Hill! We don't believe in what you believe in, in Muswell Hill!"
Sunny Afternoon is a musical that tells the story of the rise of
one of my favourite bands, The Kinks. It is based on the original 'story' by Ray Davies and obviously features the band's biggest hits. It's running at the Harold Pinter theatre in London and its run has been extended multiple times due to popular demand (extended recently till October 2016). It'll also be touring the UK later this year.
The set is interesting - a platform runs out into the stalls which gives the effect of a concert stage rather than a theatre stage (although as this was my first visit to the Pinter, I'm not sure if this is a standard feature or a show specific). While its a nice idea, given the musical background of the show, and it allows people in the higher seats, like the circle, a chance to more clearly see certain parts of the action, I'm not sure it'd be so great if you were in the stalls, as you might actually miss some of the action because of the dancers etc. on the platform. The rest of the set, however, is great and it transitions really well from scene to scene.
I was impressed by all of the actors, very much, particularly the guys who were playing the band - Danny Horn (Ray), Oliver Hoare (Dave), Tom Whitelock (Pete) and Damien Walsh (Mick). I thought they did an excellent job of capturing each of the band member's individual personalities and Danny and Oliver managed to convey a very convincing brotherly relationship. Other standout performers, in my opinion, were Megan Leigh Mason (Rasa), Gillian Kirkpatrick (Mrs Davies), Stephen Pollster (Mr Davies), Charlie Tight (Grenville Collins) and Gabriel Vick (Robert Wace).
The plot includes both the ups and the downs the band had, which I was pleased to see, because, as many of you will know, it wasn't exactly smooth sailing for The Kinks (especially when it came to Ray and Dave... and Dave and Mick... basically, when it came to Dave) and that is the truth. I like a biographical piece that isn't afraid of being honest with it's audience.
If I'm being completely honest, as I always endeavour to be, I wasn't all that keen on the first act - it seemed, to me at least, to lack cohesion. I felt a bit like songs were being shoehorned into the first half in places they didn't necessarily belong or suit. The second act, however, was excellent, and I really enjoyed it. It worked well musically and in terms of plot and was much more like what I had expected and been excited to see. The play finishes (is this a spoiler? I don't know. Consider yourself warned at any rate) at The Kinks' Madison Square Garden gig and it really is like a gig - you're encouraged to clap your hands and get up and dance, which was what I'd been longing to do throughout, and it is all kinds of fun. Its great to be surrounded by other people who not only love the band as much as you do, but also love the theatre and having fun and that is why the final few minutes are so delightfully fun.
I'd recommend Sunny Afternoon to you, especially if you're a fan of The Kinks, and I'd give it a hearty four stars (the only things that stop it reaching five are the first act and the set).
It is really entertaining, well acted and insightful, so do check it out if you can.
There is a
trailer and a
website for the show, if you want more information.
I'm so pleased to have been able to write this for you today. I hope you like the new format for my theatre reviews - I think this is easier to digest than what I'd been doing before.
Have you been to the theatre lately? Do you have any shows to recommend to me? Have you seen Sunny Afternoon? Do you like the new format of reviews or not? Comments or suggestions for future posts are always welcome.
Thank you ever so much for reading.
I hope you have a showstopper of a day!
GingerSnaps xxx
