KINKS frontman Ray Davies is "incredibly brave" for putting his life story on the stage, a star of the show has said.

Mark Newnham, who plays Ray's brother Dave in musical Sunny Afternoon, admires the rock legend for the decision and has told how he bonded with him over guitars during rehearsal.

The 30-year-old, of Lancing, will perform at the Theatre Royal when the show comes to Brighton in December and he is proud about coming home to Sussex to play the role.

Speaking to The Argus Mark said: "Ray Davies was in my audition and was incredibly complimentary of the show. He suggested manipulating my fringe, which he liked, to look more like his brother.

"During rehearsals he came up to me and talked about the guitar I was using on stage. It was a Guild guitar and he said 'I used to own one of those, they are great.' He is such a nice man.

"I think he's incredibly brave to put his life story on the stage for everyone to see. I don't think I could do it."

Packed full of Kinks hits, Sunny Afternoon tells the story of the band's rise from life on a dead end street to living the rock star dream of fame, fortune and glory. It is described as a musical "like no other" taking the audience on a journey of the euphoric highs and agonising lows of pop success.

Mark said: "I am really suited to playing the character of Dave - he is flamboyant, passionate, he wears his heart on his sleeve, and likes to annoy the other band members. I love playing guitar solos like him. Ray Davies is like the poet laureate of the music industry - The Kinks lyrics are amazing and the script is really witty.

"We have to perform 28 songs, remember the script, chords and to act - it's quite a lot to memorise and we are doing eight shows in five days but we love the job."

After attending Steyning Grammar School Mark went to Hove music college BIMM, which has seen stars like James Bay, Tom Odell and The Kooks pass through its doors .

He sang and played guitar in a band called Zevicon around Brighton for years while growing up.

He said: "One day I realised my music career wasn't really going the way I wanted it to. I'd always loved singing and the stage so I took an acting course as well. I jumped at the chance to be cast in the tour of Sunny Afternoon - growing up I listened to a lot of 60s music. It will mean so much to perform in Brighton and be home for Christmas. The show is great for fans who want a group party."

The show comes to the Theatre Royal, Brighton, on Tuesday, December 13 until Saturday, December 31.

To book call 08448717650 or visit atgtickets.com/brighton.