Sunny Afternoon Brings The Kinks’ Story Back to Cardiff with a Full Circle Moment
The multi award-winning hit musical SUNNY AFTERNOON is heading to Cardiff this month, bringing the story and music of The Kinks back to the city where one of the band’s most infamous moments unfolded at the Wales Millennium Centre from 26th – 30th May 2026 as part of its major UK tour.
Telling the story of The Kinks’ rise to fame during the swinging sixties, SUNNY AFTERNOON features some of the band’s biggest hits including You Really Got Me, Lola and All Day and All of the Night. The musical explores both the highs and tensions behind one of Britain’s most influential rock bands, charting their journey from North London beginnings to worldwide success.
Leading the cast are Danny Horn as Ray Davies, alongside Oliver Hoare as Dave Davies, Harry Curley as Peter Quaife and Zakarie Stokes as Mick Avory, bringing the legendary line-up to life on stage.
The production has a particularly strong connection to Cardiff. The show arrives almost exactly 60 years after one of rock music’s most famous on-stage bust-ups, which took place at Cardiff’s Capitol Theatre on 19th May 1965. During the performance, tensions exploded between band members, leaving guitarist Dave Davies unconscious and the future of the band uncertain.
That chaotic night has since become part of rock and roll history, making the musical’s Cardiff stop feel especially fitting.
Originally opening to huge acclaim in London’s West End, SUNNY AFTERNOON went on to win four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, and became one of the biggest touring productions in the UK.
Producer Sonia Friedman said the music of The Kinks still has the power to connect with audiences today, while Ray Davies himself said the new cast would “breathe new life into the production” and hoped the show would be “a much-needed tonic for people.”
Set against the backdrop of Britain on the edge of cultural change, SUNNY AFTERNOON blends live music, humour and drama into a celebration of one of the country’s most iconic bands.
For Cardiff audiences, it is also a rare chance to see a story with genuine local rock history woven right through it.
Tickets are still available via the Wales Millennium centre website – www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2026/sunny-afternoon
Tickets start from £19
