The stage is set, the guitars are tuned, and the atmosphere is electric at Hampstead Theatre. Award-winning actor John Dagleish, celebrated for his versatile roles in beloved British television series such as Lark Rise to Candleford, Starlings, and Beaver Falls, is stepping into the shoes of a rock and roll icon. He’s taking on the formidable task of portraying Ray Davies, the enigmatic frontman of The Kinks, in the highly anticipated new musical, Sunny Afternoon. London Calling’s very own Charlie Kenber sat down with John Dagleish amidst the whirlwind of rehearsals to get the inside scoop on this exciting production.
Diving into the Rehearsal Room: A Whirlwind of Creativity
“Rehearsals are flying by!” John Dagleish exclaims, his enthusiasm palpable even through the transcript. “It’s going brilliantly, incredibly quickly, mainly because we are just having an absolute blast.” This infectious energy hints at the vibrant and engaging performance audiences can expect.
The Allure of Ray Davies: A Role Unlike Any Other for John Dagleish
What drew John Dagleish to this particular role? “For me,” he explains, “I’ve genuinely never tackled anything quite like this before. My usual approach is to seek out roles that are starkly different from my previous work. When this opportunity arose – the chance to immerse myself in the legendary songbook of The Kinks and embody one of rock’s most iconic figures – it honestly felt like an offer I simply couldn’t refuse!” This highlights Dagleish’s adventurous spirit as an actor and his eagerness to embrace new challenges.
Unveiling “Sunny Afternoon”: More Than Just a Jukebox Musical
Intrigued about the show itself, Kenber probes, “Tell us more about Sunny Afternoon. We know the music will be central, but what’s the story?”
John Dagleish elaborates, “It’s a somewhat fictionalized, theatrical interpretation of The Kinks’ origin story. The audience is transported back to their humble beginnings in working-class Muswell Hill, witnessing their journey from local hopefuls to global pop sensations.” He emphasizes the blend of fact and dramatic license, adding, “It’s our vibrant take on the 1960s and their unique narrative. While rooted in truth, we’ve allowed ourselves creative freedom to ensure a compelling and entertaining story unfolds on stage.”
The Kinks’ Songbook: Weaving Music Seamlessly into the Narrative
The integration of The Kinks’ iconic music is clearly a crucial element. John Dagleish reveals the innovative approach: “We’ve established a narrative device right from the start – Ray Davies essentially ‘thinks in songs’. This means that many pivotal emotional moments within scenes are expressed through song. Sometimes a scene might even begin with a musical number that naturally transitions into dialogue. We also portray moments of studio recording sessions and electrifying gig performances. So, in parts, the show will genuinely feel like a high-energy live concert experience! Certain songs are absolute roof-raisers – I wouldn’t be surprised if we get noise complaints from the neighborhood by the end of the run!”
Portraying a Living Legend: The Unique Challenge of Ray Davies
Playing a real person, especially one who is still alive and actively involved in the production, presents a unique set of challenges. Kenber inquires about this aspect, “How does your acting process change when you’re portraying someone who is not only real but also still living and breathing?”
John Dagleish responds with a touch of awe, “Well, he’s real, alive, and frequently in the rehearsal room with us! Ray has been incredibly supportive and involved from the very inception of this project. Having him present is surreal, to say the least!” He then delves into the performance philosophy, “I believe our approach has been to steer clear of mere imitation. Instead, we are focusing on authentically telling our story, rather than striving for a carbon copy of these individuals. It’s about capturing the essence and spirit, not a strict impersonation.”
Expanding Theatre Horizons: “Sunny Afternoon”‘s Broad Appeal
Hampstead Theatre is known for its diverse and often contemporary programming. Kenber wonders if Sunny Afternoon will attract a new audience. “This production is quite a departure from Hampstead’s usual fare. Do you anticipate it resonating with a different demographic?”
John Dagleish is optimistic, “Absolutely. The wonderful thing about Hampstead Theatre is its dedicated core audience who consistently support their productions. However, with Sunny Afternoon, we’re hoping to draw in a significant number of people who may not be regular theatregoers but are devoted fans of The Kinks.” He highlights the clever song selection: “There are lesser-known gems within the show that are so perfectly integrated into the narrative that audiences might assume they were specifically written for the musical! They fit the storyline with remarkable seamlessness, avoiding any sense of forced inclusion.”
Beyond the “Jukebox” Label: A Theatrical Tapestry Woven with Kinks’ Classics
John Dagleish is keen to dispel any misconceptions about Sunny Afternoon being a typical jukebox musical. “It’s definitely not just another jukebox musical,” he asserts. “Ray’s songwriting is so richly evocative and descriptive of the world around him; it’s like a musical chronicle of his life and times. Joe Penhall, the writer, has masterfully delved into The Kinks’ extensive back catalog and unearthed songs that feel as though they were tailor-made for this story. The songs organically enhance and propel the narrative forward.”
From Screen to Stage: John Dagleish’s Return to Live Performance
Reflecting on his own career trajectory, Kenber notes John Dagleish‘s extensive work in television and film and the shift back to theatre. “You’ve built a strong career in TV and film – a very different process from stage acting.”
John Dagleish acknowledges the contrast, “It is indeed a vastly different process. In the eight years since drama school, I’ve only been on stage once – a brief five-performance run at the Royal Court for a Mark Ravenhill short play. So, a six-week run like this is uncharted territory for me, but the experience thus far has been incredible.” He emphasizes the joy of collaboration, “I’m struck by how much I’ve missed the collaborative process with fellow actors, something often limited on film sets due to time constraints. The rehearsal room environment is something truly special.”
He expresses a renewed passion for theatre, “It’s definitely something I’m keen to pursue more of in the future. I have early roots in musicals – amateur productions in local Essex villages growing up. While a West End musical career wasn’t necessarily on my radar then, if Sunny Afternoon is well-received, adding this string to my bow would be fantastic!”
Future Horizons: What’s Next for John Dagleish?
Looking ahead, Kenber inquires about future projects. “Do you have any other projects lined up after Sunny Afternoon?”
John Dagleish concludes, “Not as yet. We have a couple more weeks of rehearsals, followed by a week of technical preparations and then the six-week performance run! I also completed several smaller projects earlier in the year that are awaiting release, which should keep me occupied while I’m immersed in the theatre world.”
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