Sunny Afternoon: The iconic sound of the ‘60s brought to life

6 hours ago
2 min read

Get ready to turn up the volume as Sunny Afternoon brings the sound, swagger and spirit of The Kinks roaring back to the stage.

A five-star show packed with iconic tunes, raw energy and pure nostalgia, Sunny Afternoon rolls into Wales Millennium Centre next month. This Olivier Award-winning musical was a smash hit in London and is coming to South Wales bigger, bolder and ready to get audiences on their feet.

Telling the story of The Kinks, Sunny Afternoon takes you behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most influential bands, charting their rise to fame through a soundtrack of unforgettable hits. From ‘You Really Got Me’ and ‘Lola’ to ‘Waterloo Sunset’ and ‘All Day and All of the Night’, the show is packed with the songs that defined a generation and still get crowds singing along today. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1960s Britain, it captures both the excitement of success and the challenges that came with it, offering a powerful and honest look at life in the spotlight.

At the heart of the production is the music of Ray Davies, whose songwriting helped shape the sound of British rock. With a book by Joe Penhall and direction by Edward Hall, the show blends storytelling and live performance seamlessly, creating an experience that feels as electric as a live gig. It’s this combination of energy, emotion and authenticity that has made Sunny Afternoon such a hit with both audiences and critics.

Producer Sonia Friedman has described the show as an unforgettable experience, celebrating music that stays with you long after the curtain falls, while Ray Davies himself has praised the new touring cast for bringing fresh life to the story. It’s a production that continues to connect with audiences of all ages, offering both a nostalgic trip for fans and an exciting introduction for a new generation.

Running from 26–30 May 2026, Sunny Afternoon is more than just a musical, it’s a celebration of a band that changed the face of British music. Expect big songs, big performances and an atmosphere that will have you dancing in your seat from start to finish.

Sunny Afternoon is at Wales Millennium Centre, 26 - 30 May 2026, www.wmc.org.uk.