July 30th, 1966, as Bobby Moore lifts the world-cup trophy, a hundred thousand fans in Wembley are singing Sunny Afternoon in unison; the number one hit which rocked the nation that summer. But how did that happen? And how did The Kinks end up not only invading America but also being banned from playing there at the height of their career?
Ray Davies’ extraordinary life story told with Music and Lyrics by Ray Davies, a new Book by Joe Penhall, Direction by Edward Hall and Design by Miriam Buether, Sunny Afternoon explores 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.
Ray Davies, co-founder and lead singer of The Kinks, is one of the great innovators of British rock music, and one of our most distinctive songwriters.
Playwright and screenwriter Joe Penhall won the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Play for Blue/Orange at The National Theatre. Other plays include Birthday and Haunted Child at The Royal Court. Screenplays include The Road and Enduring Love.
Edward Hall is Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director. His directing credits at Hampstead include the sell-out hits Chariots of Fire and Raving. He is also the Artistic Director of the award-winning company Propeller.
BUY TICKETS HERE : http://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2014/sunny-afternoon/?book=true
