Hampstead Theatre to Present Ray Davies Musical SUNNY AFTERNOON, 14 April - 24 May

A Hampstead Theatre Production World Premiere, SUNNY AFTERNOON, will run 14 April - 24 May 2014, with an official opening night of Thursday 1 May 2014 at 7pm.

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' early 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.

Hampstead Theatre's Artistic Director Edward Hall directs, following the sell-out Raving in November and Chariots of Fire in 2012 (Hampstead and West End). Other credits include No Naughty Bits, Loyalty and Enlightenment (all Hampstead Theatre) and as Artistic Director of Propeller Twelfth Night, The Taming of the Shrew, A Winter's Tale and Henry V.

Ray Davies is an influential and prolific rock musician and was co-founder and lead singer and songwriter for rock band The Kinks and later a solo artist. He has an outstanding catalogue of hits from the earliest 1960s You Really Got Me and All Day and All of The Night to the present day with estimated record sales in excess of 50 million. He has also acted, directed and produced shows for theatre and television.

Joe Penhall is an award winning playwright and screenwriter. Plays include Some Voices (Royal Court), Blue/Orange (National Theatre and West End), winner of Best New Play at the Evening Standard Awards, Olivier Awards and at the Critics Circle, and Dumb Show, Haunted Child and Birthday (all Royal Court). Screenplays include Enduring Love and The Road.

Miriam Buether returns to Hampstead after creating the outstanding design for Chariots of Fire. Her many theatre credits include: Wild Swans (Young Vic), Decade (Headlong Theatre), Earthquakes in London (Headlong and National Theatre), Sucker Punch (Royal Court; Evening Standard Award), The Wonderful World of Dissocia (Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland). For dance: Body of Poetry (Komische Oper Berlin), Possibly Six, Tenderhooks (Canadian National Ballet), Cinderella (Goteborg Opera). Opera credits include: Anna Nicole, Trittico / Suor Angelica (ROH); Turandot (ENO); The Death of Klinghoffer (Scottish National Opera).

To post a comment, you must register and login.