In 2026, audiences across the United Kingdom are being treated to a remarkable journey through the music and story of one of the most influential rock bands in history. The Sunny Afternoon UK Tour brings to life the songs, spirit and legacy of The Kinks, presenting a vibrant stage production that doubles as both a musical narrative and a living tribute to their enduring catalogue. The Olivier Award-winning show continues its acclaimed run with a series of performances at major theatres throughout early spring and into late May 2026.
A Legacy of British Rock Realised on Stage
More than just a jukebox musical, Sunny Afternoon charts the meteoric rise of The Kinks against the backdrop of the cultural revolution that defined Britain in the 1960s. Featuring music and lyrics by Ray Davies, with a book by Joe Penhall and direction by Edward Hall, the production features period-authentic performances of classics such as “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” “Waterloo Sunset,” and “All Day and All of the Night.”
The show blends theatrical storytelling with electrifying live music, capturing both the camaraderie and tensions that shaped the band’s journey. With music adapted from original Kinks recordings and performed live on stage by a talented ensemble, audiences are offered an immersive experience that feels both historically grounded and viscerally alive.
2026 Tour Dates and Locations
The 2026 Sunny Afternoon UK Tour spans a succession of venues, each hosting several performances that allow audiences to experience the full breadth of this celebrated production. Highlights from the confirmed schedule include:
- Theatre Royal, Nottingham – 17 to 21 February 2026
- Grand Theatre, Leeds – 24 to 28 February 2026
- Malvern Theatres – 3 to 7 March 2026
- Princess Theatre, Torquay – 17 to 21 March 2026
- Milton Keynes Theatre – 24 to 28 March 2026
- Richmond Theatre – 31 March to 4 April 2026
- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent – 7 to 11 April 2026
- Stockton Globe – 14 to 18 April 2026
- Curve, Leicester – 21 to 25 April 2026
- Grand Theatre, Blackpool – 28 April to 2 May 2026
- Edinburgh Playhouse – 5 to 9 May 2026
- Eden Court, Inverness – 12 to 16 May 2026
- Liverpool Empire – 19 to 23 May 2026
- Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff – 26 to 30 May 2026
These venues reflect a mix of historic theatres and contemporary performance spaces, ensuring that the production reaches a wide and varied audience across the UK.
What Audiences Can Expect
Audiences attending Sunny Afternoon can look forward to more than just a musical retrospective. The production embraces the full sensory impact of live performance: evocative set design, period-accurate costumes, dynamic choreography and sound design that honors the original recordings while invigorating them for the theatre. It is both a historical retelling and an energetic celebration of rock ‘n’ roll.
Critics and fans alike have praised the show for its balance of dramatic storytelling and live musical power, celebrating The Kinks not merely as a band, but as cultural innovators who helped define an era. The narrative arc touches on friendship, fame, creative conflict and the societal forces that shaped the group’s evolution.
Continuing Impact
Though the original members of The Kinks are no longer active as a touring band, Sunny Afternoon ensures their legacy remains in public experience. By placing their music within a theatrical context, the tour introduces their work to new audiences while offering longtime fans a renewed connection to the songs and stories that made an indelible mark on rock history.
In a year rich with musical anniversaries and retrospectives, the Sunny Afternoon 2026 UK Tour stands out as both a cultural event and a tribute to the enduring power of British rock. For all who attend, it promises to be an unforgettable revival of classic songs, compelling drama and the shared joy of live performance.
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