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★★★★★
‘Kinky Boots’ has made a highly anticipated arrival at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this week, opening to rapturous applause. Initially debuting on Broadway in 2013, the multi-award winning musical has been touring regional venues since the start of the year in a new production directed by Nikolai Foster. With a book by theatrical legend Harvey Fierstein and a score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, the cast for the tour includes Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe in the iconic role of Lola, Dan Partridge as Charlie Price and Courtney Bowman as Lauren. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review the musical on opening night here in Kent and see how this exciting cast would make the source material their own.
About the show
For those unfamiliar, the musical centres on the character of Charlie Price, who inherits the Northampton-based Price & Sons shoe factory after the death of his father. The business is struggling and in a last attempt to avoid closure, Charlie looks to a niche market to secure the factory’s future. A group of drag queens named Lola and the “angels” are struggling with their current heels, which can’t withstand their high energy routines. Charlie sets out to create a new more durable boot for the performers, whilst at the same time trying to keep the factory open and honour his father’s legacy.
Fabulous costume design
In a musical about killer heels, it is no surprise that Robert Jones’ costume design is a highlight of the show. Lola and the angels’ incredible outfits light up the stage, adding some glitz and glamour to the intricate but expansive factory set. I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of the boots throughout the performance, from the very first prototypes to the dazzling final designs. It makes the pinnacle moments all the more exciting as the narrative reaches a climax.
Exceptional cast performances
Johannes Radebe is born to play the role of Lola. The performer has such a warm camaraderie with Dan Partridge’s Charlie and brings a fusion of sensitivity, unrivalled confidence and natural humour to the part. The sensational Courtney Bowman takes on the role of Lauren and provides the perfect blend of unfiltered honesty and comedy in ‘The History of Wrong Guys’. The trio are joined by an unbelievably talented cast who share powerhouse vocals, radiate stage presence and present Leah Hill’s dynamic choreography in a truly electric way.
A contender for musical of the year
Taking inspiration from one of my favourite musicals ‘Operation Mincemeat’, this production of ‘Kinky Boots’ is a shining example of what touring musical theatre can be. From exceptional sound design to an interactive and detailed set, clearly no expense has been spared in making this a truly wonderful theatrical experience. The uplifting musical about acceptance and being yourself is the perfect Pride Month musical. Tickets are almost entirely sold out for Kinky Boots’ week in Kent, but head to the Marlowe’s website to try and secure some last minute availability.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for ‘Kinky Boots’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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