Friday, 24 January 2025

Kinky Boots

 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/


Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in the artwork for Kinky Boots.


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