The story of KC and the Sunshine Band, GET DOWN TONIGHT follows the early years of singer, songwriter, producer and musician Harry Wayne Casey (KC). Set against the backdrop of 1970s Miami, this feel-good show highlights the friendships, relationships, love and music that brought a whole generation together. The unmistakable ‘Sunshine Sound’ that KC created — an infectious blend of Disco, Funk, R&B, and more – is on heart-thumping display throughout. Developed in collaboration with Harry Wayne Casey with a book by J. F. Lawton (Pretty Woman: The Musical), this London premiere is packed with over 20 of the band’s hits, including ‘Give It Up’, ‘That’s The Way (I Like It)’, and ‘Get Down Tonight’. With a cast of eight, the show is a joyful, nostalgia-filled celebration of a landmark cultural era, centered around four best friends.
Newly extended to 90 minutes without interval, the show was developed with an acclaimed run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 under the name Who Do Ya Love?.
The cast will feature Ross Harmon (Shucked, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) portraying the real-life Harry Wayne Casey (KC) alongside Adam Taylor as Orly (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Playhouse Theatre). Paige Fenlon as Dee (Pretty Woman, Piccadilly Theatre) and Annabelle Terry as Gina (Scissorhandz, Southwark Playhouse Elephant) return to the cast after the Edinburgh Festival Fringe run. Ensemble members include Aaron Archer (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, UK & Ireland Tour), Eve Drysdale (Fame the Musical, European Tour), Rachael Kendall Brown (Pretty Woman, UK & Ireland Tour) and Finley Oliver making his professional debut.
Ahead of the London run we sat down with cast member Annabelle Terry to learn more.
What can you tell me about Get Down Tonight and how your role fits into the piece?
Get Down Tonight is a new musical that tells the story of Harry Wayne Casey (or KC) and the people in his life that inspired him to make his incredible catalogue of music. I have the great pleasure of playing Gina, one of his best friends. Her devotion to him, although sometimes hopeless, provides both comedy and emotion to the piece. And I am lucky enough to sing arguably one of Harry’s most iconic hits… you’ll have to come and watch to find out exactly which one… I think you’ll know as soon as the synth kicks in!
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| Annabelle Terry in rehearsals. |
What first drew you to this piece?
I love telling stories inspired by truth or real life onstage. Get Down Tonight shares the human story behind every song, every success, and every moment of fame for Harry. Of course, I was drawn to the incredible music of KC & The Sunshine band, but also the emotion and reasons for its creation. I love an origin story. And to be part of a new musical giving input into a character’s development is amazing.
You took part in the 2024 run in Edinburgh. Will you approach this run any differently?
It’s such a gift to get to revisit a role. Everything I learnt about Gina in our Edinburgh version I can now build on, and I'm looking forward to adding more detail now we have the luxury of a longer run time. I also remind myself to have fun, which is so easy when the material is infectiously heartwarming.
How do you reflect on the experience you had at the Fringe?
Edinburgh was so much fun! We all learnt so much about the piece and characters. I’ve always been a fan of the Fringe, but it really solidified for me how invaluable it is a space for shows to experiment, play around and find their own flavour. The audience response was so memorable, especially when they heard their favourite song start - during ‘Rock Your Baby’ people were holding hands, swaying along and reminiscing. So cute.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a role like this?
I’m sure my process is similar to a lot of other performers - I like to do my research, listen to the music on repeat and get in the gym/singing lessons leading up to rehearsals. On the flip side of that, I have to remind myself that what I do for a living is such a privilege, to enjoy every moment and not to put any added pressure on myself. That’s when you do your best work.
How do you approach playing in a show that is based on real life and building your own version of the role?
I think the more you can be your authentic self during the rehearsal process, the more authentic the character becomes. I always strive to approach rehearsals with an open mind, playing my strengths and sharing my flaws. This then informs my portrayal of Gina and, hopefully, allows an audience to see her as a fully rounded young woman.
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| The company in rehearsals |
What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?
I remember watching Ghost when it first came into the West End on a trip with my local musical theatre group Funky Studios (big up!). The music and performances blew me away. Rebecca Trehearn was playing the lead and was fantastic. I’m also a huge Shakespeare nerd and loved watching Maxine Peake, Paapa Essiedu and Andrew Scott each play Hamlet.
What keeps you inspired?
I love seeing good things happen for good people. There’s no better feeling than finding out a friend, a real good egg, has landed an amazing role. It keeps me inspired on my own path, and excited to see what’s around the corner.
If you were stranded on a desert island but could take 3 musical theatre soundtracks with you. Which three would you take and why?
Hamilton would undoubtedly be my first choice. I’ve been lucky enough to see it on both the West End and Broadway (the room where it happened!) and the music has resonated with me through some really difficult times in my life. Probably the Wicked movie soundtrack or anything featuring Cynthia Erivo to be honest - I think having her otherworldly voice blasting out would make a desert island seem like a 5 star hotel. And my final choice… probably Jagged Little Pill for pure catharsis and cos I love Alanis.
What do you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they feel uplifted and inspired to tell their loved ones they love them. Cheesy I know… but when you watch the show it’ll make sense. There’s a simplicity to that which I think we all forget sometimes when we go through our busy lives. I also hope the audience leaves and heads immediately for the club to continue the party!
Where can audiences see the show?
We’re playing at the Charing Cross Theatre from 19th September to 15th November. See you soon!
Tickets for Get Down Tonight are available from https://www.kcsunshinebandmusical.com/
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