Sunny Afternoon Review

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If you love the stunning sounds of the 60s and 70s, and even if you don’t, the Regent in Stoke is the place to be this week!

Sunny Afternoon is a joyous, high energy celebration of The Kinks that captures the sound and spirit of the era with remarkable authenticity. From the very first note, it’s clear this isn’t just a musical. It’s a full bodied live music experience.

One of the most striking elements of the production is the sheer musical talent on display. With the band present on stage throughout, the show never loses momentum. Watching such a skilled group of musicians perform live, seamlessly integrated into the storytelling, is genuinely impressive. And when that unmistakable riff from “You Really Got Me” kicks in for the first time, it sends chills straight down your spine and the goosebumps appear.

The set design is equally brilliant, effortlessly transporting the audience through the different phases of the band’s journey. Combined with clever staging and lighting, it keeps the visual experience just as engaging as the music itself.
A particularly memorable touch is when the cast drop into the audience, breaking down the barrier between performers and crowd. It creates a sense of connection that makes you feel like you’re part of the story, not just watching it.

Musically the show is packed with highlights. Hearing “Waterloo Sunset” built piece by piece, instrument by instrument, and voice by voice was genuinely emotional. And of course, “Sunny Afternoon” itself stands out as a true showstopper. What comes through clearly is how personal these songs are. So many of them feel like reflections of the band’s own lives, giving the performance an added layer of authenticity.

If you’re a fan of the Kinks or just the musical era in general, you’ll love it. And if you’re not, you definitely will be by the finale.

The show doesn’t shy away from the tensions that come with life in a band either. When the bass player leaves, it’s a moment handled with honesty and subtlety, and it brought to mind that perfectly observed line by Nick Massi from Jersey Boys: 

“Alright, I’ll be honest with you. It could have been an ego thing, everybody wants to be up front. But if there is four guys, and you’re Ringo? Better I should spend some time with my kids.”

It’s a sentiment that neatly captures the complex mix of ambition, ego and reality that exists within any band dynamic.

Despite touching on those struggles, Sunny Afternoon is above all, a feel good production. The energy, the humour and the sheer love of the music carry you through. The encore is superb, lifting the entire theatre and sending everyone out on a high.

As my wife Kerry perfectly summed up on the way out:

 “In a world that feels pretty grim right now, you can’t help but smile when you watch this show.” 

And for me, that’s exactly what great theatre and great music should do.

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sunny Afternoon is playing at the Regent Theatre NOW, up until and including Saturday 11th April. Tickets are on sale and you can get them by calling the Regent Theatre Box Office on 0844 871 7649. You can also visit www.atgtickets.com/stoke for tickets and info.