Theatre Royal Stratford East Gets Kinky

Ray Davies, former lead singer of 1960s British Invasion band, The Kinks, has created a new musical to be premiered at the Theatre Royal Stratford East later this year. This is not Davies' first foray into musical theatre. In 1981 Stratford East hosted Chorus Girls, the first show Davies wrote for the stage.

The new show is entitled Come Dancing and is inspired by the world-famous Kinks song of the same name which in turn was inspired by Ray Davies beloved sister, Rosie. Come Dancing opens on 13th September and will run for six weeks.

Come Dancing will be the only previously released song to be included in the new musical. Davies has written a wide selection of new material for the show and rumours are flying around theatreland that he will even be appearing on stage himself.

Davies' latest theatrical project is nostalgically set in the care-free world of the Ilford Palais ballroom in the 1950s. Audiences are promised "a tale of love triumphing over adversity" and of course, the musical talent of Davies.

A departure from the traditional "jukebox musical", Come Dancing is an exciting project. Davies has worked with Paul Sirett and Terry Johnson on the show's book. Sirett's works have previously transferred from Stratford East to the West End. Excited Kinks fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for Come Dancing to enjoy similar success.