Curve, Leicester
23rd January 2025
“The most beautiful thing in the world”
Following a few months off from theatre-going
(with good reason – I gave birth to our son back in October 2024!) I was
delighted to return to Curve for our first show of 2025. And what a fantastic
show with which to break my theatrical fast! Cyndi Lauper and Harvey
Fierstein’s joyous musical adaptation of the 2005 film Kinky Boots -
based upon a true story about a Northampton shoe factory which boosted business
by creating custom heels for men – is given new life in Nikolai Foster’s glitzy
revival.
It’s fitting that this first major revival is
originating in Leicester, a midlands city that shares Northampton’s historic ties
with the footwear industry. Foster wisely doesn’t strive for anything too radical with
this new production, retaining and maintaining the show’s feel good charm,
crafted through the carefully juxtaposed worlds of Lola and her troupe of drag queens,
the Angels, and the small town midlanders of Price & Son. Robert
Jones’s cavernous
factory set fits the Curve stage perfectly; a red neon-lit box is periodically
illuminated to denote scene changes, such as our first foray into Lola’s drag
club. Furthermore, Jones’s flamboyant costumes are a sequined tonic to the
functional metal and brick of the factory floor. The distinguishing red worn by
the Angels is mirrored in the various black costumes donned by the whole
company during the finale. The design is a clever way of projecting the show’s
message of unity and acceptance while aesthetically allowing the array of red
stiletto boots to truly pop.
While I’d argue that Kinky Boots is popular enough not to need celebrity appearances,
there’s no denying that the casting of Strictly
Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe as Lola has caused a buzz amongst audiences
– entrance applause is a rarity this side of the pond, but Radebe enjoyed a
rapturous greeting from the crowd. While Radebe’s voice lacks power at times,
he can certainly hold a tune. And his eye-catching poise, charisma and electric
dancing demonstrates that he has the necessary stage presence to embody the
role. The yin to Radebe’s yang, Dan Partridge gives a spirited – if a tad
intense – performance as factory owner, Charlie, coming into his own during the
contemplative rock ballad, ‘Soul of a Man’. I was particularly impressed with
Courtney Bowman’s Lauren; likeable, relatable and naturally humorous, her
rendition of ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ is a knockout. Amongst a strong
ensemble, Scott Paige also stands out, making the most of his small role with
some witty asides.
Lauper’s score remains a personal favourite, as her sparkling disco numbers and euphoric power ballads are consummately hummable and uplifting. Highlights here include the touching ‘Not My Father’s Son’, and the sassy ‘Land of Lola’ and ‘Sex Is In The Heel’. Kinky Boots is a modern classic and Foster’s production is the perfect New Year pick-me-up, guaranteed to uplift audiences even on the coldest, greyest of January days. I’ve no doubt that audiences nationwide will don their most bedazzled attire and flock to see this exuberant treat of a musical.
Kinky Boots plays at Curve, Leicester
until 25th January before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour. For
full tour dates please visit: https://kinkybootstour.com/
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Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in the artwork for Kinky Boots. |
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