The Story of The Kinks Told Through Musical

Leeds Grand Theatre to host Sunny Afternoon in February 2026

The story of the British rock band The Kinks is being brought to the stage in the form of the musical Sunny Afternoon, which is scheduled to play at Leeds Grand Theatre from 24 to 28 February 2026. The show explores the band’s history and music, featuring many of their hit songs.

Development and creative collaboration

The musical was developed with close involvement from Ray Davies, the frontman of The Kinks, and writer Joe Penhall. Davies worked on the storyline for around three years, aiming to create a narrative that went beyond a typical jukebox musical by focusing on the emotional truth behind the band’s experiences.

Davies described the process as “daunting at first,” noting that the songs were written during specific moments in his life and have since been reinterpreted for the stage. He emphasised that the musical was intended to tell a story with heart rather than simply evoke nostalgia.

Director Edward Hall and Penhall contributed by challenging and expanding Davies’s perspective on the band’s history. Penhall recalled early workshops involving just Davies and a small group of actors, highlighting the detailed work that went into capturing the essence of the band’s music and story.

Thematic elements and ongoing relevance

The musical reflects on both the successes and struggles of The Kinks, including their rise from humble beginnings in Muswell Hill to being banned from America during their career. Themes such as youthful ambition, creative freedom, and the social turbulence of the 1960s are central to the show.

Davies suggested that the story resonates with new generations because every era experiences its own form of rebellion and questioning of authority. He stated that the spirit of the 1960s continues to be relevant, as people relate to the search for identity and authenticity.

Musical highlights and reception

Sunny Afternoon features many of The Kinks’ well-known songs, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” “Sunny Afternoon,” and “Dead End Street.” Davies noted that presenting these songs together in the musical format allowed audiences to see connections between them and understand the broader narrative.

The show first premiered in the West End over ten years ago and has received critical acclaim. It has attracted notable fans such as Dave Gilmour, Paul Weller, and Noel and Liam Gallagher. Penhall described the collaboration with Davies as a “labour of love” that sought to maintain the artistic integrity of the music within the theatrical context.

Performance details

• Dates: Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 February 2026
• Venue: Leeds Grand Theatre
• Content: Musical featuring the story and songs of The Kinks

For further information and ticket bookings, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website.

Source

Information sourced from Leeds Heritage Theatres: The story of The Kinks onstage