Enjoy Celebrity Radio’s Sunny Afternoon Kinks Musical West End London Review…..
Following a sold-out run at Hampstead Theatre, the critically acclaimed production of SUNNY AFTERNOON transfers to the West End’s Harold Pinter Theatre.
THE KINKS exploded onto the 60s music scene with a raw, energetic new sound that rocked a nation. But how did that happen, where exactly did they come from and what happened next? All of these questions are answered.
With Music and Lyrics by Ray Davies, a new Book by Joe Penhall and Direction by Edward Hall, SUNNY AFTERNOON depicts the rise to stardom of THE KINKS.
Set against the back-drop of a Britain caught mid-swing between the conservative 50s and riotous 60s, this production explores the euphoric highs and agonising lows of one of Britain’s most iconic bands and the irresistible music that influenced generations.
Sadly for me though this show did not work for several reasons….
Enjoy an Exclusive audio / visual review via YouTube with Alex Belfield:
It’s obvious that the cast are hugely talented but they were not able to shine due to a deliberately mediocre sound production / processing which at best made much of the first half sound like a northern working men’s club.
I understand what they wanted to do and I admire their ambition for an authentic 60/70’s ‘sound’ but at times it was painful and made me wonder whether half the cast could actually sing….let alone sing spectacually as one would expect in a West End musical.
Also, to suggest the set was ‘busy’ is an understatement. The ‘extended’ stage into the middle of the stalls just made the show cluttered and unwatchable from my top priced seat. I also found the ‘set changes’ (not that there was moving set) sloppy.
Having seen Miss Saigon, Memphis and Forbidden Broadway this week – all so very different in their own way but never the less at the same price – this show just does not shape up for the price.
Hugely sad and totally disappointed. I didn’t even make it past the interval. Shame. 2*
Here’s an exclusive life story interview with The Kinks Ray Davies….
Despite my opinion, Sunny Afternoon has many fans….
This ‘exhilarating, hugely enjoyable new musical’ (Financial Times) features many of the bands hits, including: YOU REALLY GOT ME, WATERLOO SUNSET, DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION, ALL DAY AND ALL OF THE NIGHT, LOLA, SUNNY AFTERNOON and many more.
Find out more here: www.sunnyafternoonthemusical.com
Hear 100’s of Exclusive interviews and reviews at celebrityradio.alexbelfield.com
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