A regular feature across Broadway and the West End since its debut 13 years ago, it’s no wonder Kinky Boots has a list of accolades as long as a pair of knee-high boots to its name (including Olivier, Tony and Grammy Awards to name but a few).
Music and lyrics were provided by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, who created a score that perfectly underpinned the story and allowed its performers to explore their vocal talents. Lauper even says her participation in writing the songs for Kinky Boots is one of the things she is most proud of in her illustrious 40+ year career.
The curtain opens on a young Charlie Price, whose father bequeaths him the family shoe manufacturing business upon his death. A crisis of confidence and identity soon ensues, as Charlie battles with the pressure of inheriting his family’s failing business. A chance encounter with a truly fabulous drag queen, Lola, changes everything, giving Charlie a new lease of life and a new focus for his company: Creating a line of truly fabulous kinky boots for drag queens.
Truly unforgettable, this show really did have it all: a stellar cast, an eye popping wardrobe, an incredible set, and created an atmosphere of fun and frivolity throughout.
By far and away the star of this show was Strictly Come Dancing alumni Johannes Radebe, who truly excelled as flamboyantly fabulous queen Lola. His stage presence was magnetic, and he stole every scene. He was the perfect mix of confident, cocky and utterly charming – bringing an unexpected vulnerability to the emotionally charged scenes exploring his tempestuous childhood. In short, he was so perfectly cast in this role, I was never quite sure where the performer Radebe stopped and the character Lola began.
You cannot credit Radebe’s performance without also giving due credit to Head of Wardrobe Isobel Wood for bringing the character to life in such a dynamic way.
Johannes Radebe was joined onstage by such a fabulous ensemble, who together hit the perfect note – male protagonist Charlie was perfectly played by Dan Partridge, underpinned deliciously by Courtney Bowman who played his love interest Lauren – whose physical comedy was scene-stealing in places.
In addition, the chorus of drag queens supporting the cast were exceptional, bringing an additional level of charisma to a performance otherwise bursting with energy and exuberance.
I have seen many a show in my time, but the finale of this show – starting with the empowering ballad Raise You Up and ending with the toe-tapping anthem Just Be – was one of the best, most high-octane, visually awe-inspiring finales I have ever seen performed onstage. You could tell the actors were having an absolute ball on this show, and the audience were lapping it up with an emphatic standing ovation – not one seat was occupied as the final note rang out. The audience was treated to a surprise cameo from Cyndi Lauper at the end, which again was met with rapturous applause.
All in all, this really is a show you can watch time after time – a true feel-good fest that shows that “girls really do have fun”.
Kinky Boots is running at Manchester’s Palace Theatre for a limited time only (Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th February 2025) – so grab a pair of Kinky Boots and run down to catch this must-see show!
Reviewer: Hannah Wilde
Reviewed: 4th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
