The multi-Olivier Award-winning musical Sunny Afternoon, which chronicles the meteoric rise of The Kinks and their influence on British music in the 1960s, is set for a thrilling return to the UK stage. Starting on 10th October 2025 at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, this celebrated production promises to deliver the raw energy and passion that made The Kinks a household name, along with the music that changed a generation.
Sunny Afternoon is more than just a musical; it’s a celebration of the iconic band’s profound impact on British culture and their legacy in rock ‘n’ roll history. The production invites audiences to relive the explosive energy of the 1960s, a time of political and social upheaval, with the music of The Kinks as the soundtrack. The show captures the rise of the band, their struggles, and the triumphs of their career, all set against the backdrop of an era on the brink of revolution.
The tour, which runs until May 2026, will make stops across the UK, including Wimbledon (25th – 29th November 2025), London’s Alexandra Palace (15th – 31st January 2026), Milton Keynes (10th – 14th February 2026), Oxford (24th – 28th March 2026), and Blackpool (28th April – 2nd May 2026), before concluding in Cardiff on 30th May 2026.
Producer Sonia Friedman, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the musical, expressed her excitement at bringing Sunny Afternoon back to the stage for a new generation of theatregoers. “From the moment Ray Davies, Joe Penhall, Ed Hall, and I began developing this musical, I knew it was something extremely special, and it proved to be so with rave reviews and numerous awards. Now, I’m thrilled to be bringing this joyous, celebratory production back for another UK tour,” she said. “Ray Davies’ music and lyrics capture the poetry and poignancy of everyday life with honesty and wit, and The Kinks’ music, attitude, and vibe shaped a generation. Their astonishing legacy continues to resonate, making Sunny Afternoon exhilarating and relevant today as ever.”
The musical features music and lyrics by Ray Davies, with a book by Joe Penhall and an original story by Ray Davies himself. Directed by Edward Hall and designed by Miriam Buether, the show also boasts choreography by Adam Cooper and lighting design by Rick Fisher. The sound design, crafted by Matt McKenzie, complements the musical and vocal adaptations by Ray Davies and Elliott Ware, based on The Kinks’ original recordings.
Ray Davies, the legendary frontman of The Kinks, shared his own enthusiasm for the return of Sunny Afternoon. “In these times of political uncertainties, it is a relief to know that Sunny Afternoon is on the horizon to lift our spirits,” he commented. His music, which remains deeply relevant to this day, continues to inspire both old fans and new audiences alike.
Whether you’re rediscovering the power of The Kinks’ music or experiencing it for the first time, Sunny Afternoon is sure to captivate, energize, and move audiences with its celebration of music, life, and the spirit of rebellion that defined an era. With an unforgettable soundtrack of classics like “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “Waterloo Sunset,” the musical promises an exhilarating and emotional ride through one of the most exciting chapters in British music history.
For those eager to be part of the excitement, tickets for the UK tour of Sunny Afternoon are now available, and it promises to be a must-see event for fans of The Kinks, musical theatre lovers, and anyone looking to experience the cultural revolution of the 1960s.
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