Sunny Afternoon

I was lucky enough to see Sunny Afternoon @Marlowetheatre in Canterbury on its opening night last night. It’s a musical that tells the story of how a young band from London became one of the most influential British groups of the 1960s. Rather than just concentrating on their fame and success, the show cleverly uses their music to show what it was like for them to grow up, to find their voices and to deal with the pressures of family, working and the world around them.

All of the cast were amazing but Tam Williams and Joseph Richardson, playing Grenville and Robert, added an extra special something each time they came on stage. They bring a light, double-act style of comedy to the show – think Ant and Dec, but transported back to the 1960s, bringing humour and charm throughout the show. The contrast of personalities for Ray and Dave’s characters were acted really well by Danny Horn and Oliver Hoare, one sensible but emotionally vulnerable and the other one reckless, carefree and full of energy.

The show includes many well-known tracks including You Really Got Me, All Day and All of the Night and Sunny Afternoon (all of which I loved!). Lisa Wright, playing the character of Rasa, sang with real raw emotion and you could really feel what her character was going through, making her song especially memorable.

The cast and director have made really good use of the entire theatre, which created moments that felt like a live concert. This was set against quieter, emotional and heartfelt moments but the movement between the two felt natural.

The cast use lots of different instruments and this made the show feel exciting. The drumming was incredible and there was a surprising moment of a cappella singing, which really was impressive.

The show ended with the audience on their feet, and a well-deserved standing ovation for the cast to close the show. With a brilliant cast, a great story and amazing music, Sunny Afternoon is a show I would happily recommend.

Sunny Afternoon is at the Marlowe until Saturday 7th Feb – grab your tickets for a great night out!

— Ayva Kinsley Winter @ayvakinsley