Cast Announced for UK Tour of Olivier Award-Winning Musical Sunny Afternoon

19 Jul

London, UK — Sonia Friedman Productions and ATG Productions are thrilled to announce the principal casting for the 2025/2026 UK tour of the multi-Olivier Award-winning musical Sunny Afternoon. The show, which celebrates the iconic British band The Kinks, will open at the Manchester Palace Theatre on 11 October 2025.

The Legendary Kinks' Story Takes the Stage

Sunny Afternoon is a musical journey through the euphoric highs and agonizing lows of one of Britain’s most influential bands, The Kinks. Featuring their iconic chart-toppers such as “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night,” the musical showcases the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound that has shaped musical history.

Meet the Cast: Danny Horn, Oliver Hoare, Harry Curley, and Zakarie Stokes

In this highly anticipated tour, Danny Horn will return as Ray Davies, the legendary frontman of The Kinks, having previously starred in the role for over a year in the West End and in the North American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Horn’s previous stage credits also include The Bah Humbug Club at Lichfield Garrick and We’ll Dance On The Ash of the Apocalypse at The Park Theatre.

Oliver Hoare, who has played Dave Davies in the West End and the North American premiere, returns to the role. His other theatre credits include Anthony and Cleopatra at Chichester Festival Theatre and The Jungle Book at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. Hoare is also a talented musician, with three EPs released with his band, Oliver Hoare & The Late Great.

Harry Curley, currently starring in Sing Street at the Lyric Hammersmith, will play Peter Quaife. His previous stage credits include Cinderella at King’s Head Theatre and Once at Barn Theatre Cirencester.

Zakarie Stokes will make his professional debut in the role of Mick Avory. A graduate of the Guildford School of Acting, Stokes has previously performed in Our Town and Alice by Heart during his training.

Ray Davies’ Music and the Impact of The Kinks

The production features music and lyrics by Ray Davies, with a book by Joe Penhall. Sunny Afternoon tells the story of The Kinks during the rebellious '60s, offering an exhilarating and moving celebration of their music and the groundbreaking impact they had on the music industry. This musical is a vibrant tribute to the band and their enduring influence.

A Musical Phenomenon

Sunny Afternoon won four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Ray Davies. The musical first premiered at Hampstead Theatre, followed by a critically acclaimed run at the Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End. It later embarked on a sell-out UK and Ireland tour in 2016/17.

Creative Team Behind Sunny Afternoon

Directed by Edward Hall, with choreography by Adam Cooper and set design by Miriam Buether, Sunny Afternoon promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The production’s lighting design is by Rick Fisher, sound design by Matt McKenzie, and musical supervision by Elliott Ware. Ray Davies and Elliott Ware also contributed to the musical and vocal adaptations, drawing inspiration from The Kinks’ original recordings.

Tickets for the UK tour of Sunny Afternoon go on sale soon, with the musical opening at the Manchester Palace Theatre on 11 October 2025.

**Don't Miss the Chance to See Sunny Afternoon on Tour!**

Fans of The Kinks and musical theatre enthusiasts alike can experience the energy, passion, and unforgettable music of Sunny Afternoon in a city near you during the 2025/2026 UK tour.