WHETHER or not it’s a sunny afternoon, when you see the musical, Sunny Afternoon (and it was on Tuesday), it will make you feel good.

Based on Joe Penhall’s book, directed by Edward Hall, and written by Ray Davies, the musical is about the Kinks.

The song Sunny Afternoon sends goose pimples down your spine but there are others such as You Really Got Me and Dedicated Follower of Fashion which do the same.

Ryan O’Donnell gives an emotional portrayal of Ray Davies and Mark Newnham plays his cross dressing brother, Dave, with teenaged rebelliousness.

In an unforgettable scene, Dave is mobbed by girl fans and swings on a chandelier dressed in a petticoat.

Andew Galllo, as Mick Avory, gives a rousing drum solo to huge applause and Garmon Rhys as bassist Peter Quaife displays cold feet just at the high point of their success.

Their fame affects loved ones, most of all, Rasa, Dave’s wife of Lithuanian extraction. Lisa Wright, who plays her, remains sweet and warm despite Ray’s neglect whilst fighting for fame and fortune.

The four youths constantly have to fight the greed of the middle men who seek to exploit their talent for their own ends.

No wonder the musical won four awards in the 2015 Olivier presentations including Best New Musical.

The show starts off slowly but builds up to a momentum when the audience rise, wave their arms and dance in the aisles.

Even greater than the climax of hearing Lola and other hits performed by the entire cast, is the unexpected appearance of Ray Davies himself, who brings the house down.

* Sunny Afternoon is at the Manchester Opera House until Saturday, August 27. For tickets see atgtickets.com or visit the box office. Star rating: * * * *