★★★☆☆ A synopsis would read like a Shakespearean tragedy. Twin brothers are separated shortly after birth because their single mum, Mrs Johnstone, is struggling to provide for an already large family, and her employer, the wealthy Mrs Lyons, sees an opportunity to gain the baby she cannot have herself. A pact of secrecy is sworn between them.

★★★★★ As well as sweeping us up with Puccini’s glorious melodies throughout this performance, the singers’ understated body language always gave their performances plausibility. This was a memorable night at the Hippodrome – there were cries and roars of approval, and no doubt a few tears, at the final curtain.

★★★☆☆ Combining the music and lyrics of Ray Davies with Joe Penhall’s biographical book of the singer songwriter, Sunny Afternoon tells the story of The Kinks getting their break in the music business and their subsequent travails with managers, money men and unions, on an upward but sometimes tempestuous trajectory to rock’n’roll fame.