Kinky Boots The Musical Review

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“Leave that humdrum place of glum behind, Once you walk inside these doors, you're mine. Now let me blow your mind” Lola - Kinky Boots

Never were truer words spoken on a stage!

Kinky Boots The Musical has arrived at The Regent Theatre for a 5 day stint! It’s had a massively successful run on both Broadway and in the West End and it’s all based on the film made back in 2005. Although it started out as a bit of an underdog, Kinky Boots has won every major Best Musical award going, and it’s easy to see why.

But before I tell you more, I’d like to tell you a story about one of the best nights out I ever had, a long time ago. I was in Blackpool with a group of my friends, and we wandered into a bar just up the road from the sea front called Roxy’s. Some of you may know it, and it might not even be there anymore. We didn’t realise at the time as we were already well under the influence of a few jars, but It very quickly became abundantly clear that Roxy’s was a drag bar. After a few nervous mutters of “Shall we go?” and “We probably shouldn’t be in here”, we ended up having one of the greatest nights out we ever had! The drag queens on stage were so funny it was untrue and when it came to sheer wit, we were given a run for our money. They could clearly tell we were a little out of place, but we were made to feel welcome, it was packed in there, and we were glad we stuck around for a bit. Kinky Boots reminds me very much of that night (the parts that I can remember). If you can leave any preconceptions at the door, you’ll enjoy this show massively.

With a story written by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics penned by the awesome Cyndi Lauper, it was always going to be a hit. You can tell Cyndi wrote the score, her punky and flamboyant style screams through every track. In fact, in 2013 she became the first woman to win best original score for her music and lyrics for Kinky Boots.

Based on the 2005 British film Kinky Boots which was inspired by true events, the musical tells the story of Charlie Price (Joel Harper-Jackson), a nervous young man who inherits a shoe factory from his father. When the factory falls on hard times, he sets out to save the family business and forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen Lola to produce a line of high end, high-heeled boots to showcase in Milan. In doing so, Charlie and Lola discover that they are not so different after all, and we are taken on a journey of self discovery.

At first it seems like any other musical, but when Tosh Wanogho-Maud bursts onto the stage as Lola and just owns it, it suddenly turns into a full on drag show! His powerful presence had everyone in awe, and you couldn’t help but love him. His voice was silky smooth, perfect for the more tender moments, and he had the ability to turn into a vocal powerhouse when the need arose. It was the best vocal performance I’ve seen in a very long time.

With his team of drag queens, they perform routines so energetic that you wonder how certain parts of the Male anatomy didn’t split in two! Their moves were so perfectly timed that I’d say it was some of the best choreography I’ve seen in some time. And at the interval, I heard a fair few ladies giggling and saying “I wish i had a figure like some of them lads”.

Courtney Bowman played a blinder as shoe packer Lauren, who become’s Charlie’s love interest as the show progresses. She had fantastic comedic presence and a beautiful voice to boot. Along with Dan Partridge who also put on a fantastic and note perfect performance as Charlie Price, the chemistry between them was clear for all to see.

Billy Roberts was perfectly cast as Don, the stereotypical alpha Male that works at the shoe factory and takes an instant dislike to Lola. He plays the part brilliantly and we even see him go on his own personal journey as the story progresses.

The whole production is camp, colourful and over the top. The live band performing the musical numbers are simply awesome and the stage set up itself is magnificent. But if you look past the sheer flamboyancy of it all, there’s a deep story behind it that delves into stereotypes, prejudice and acceptance, not just from people in general, but from one’s own family. This is something that will strike a chord with many different people that have chosen to live a lifestyle that’s outside of the box.

It’s fun, witty, flamboyant and totally hilarious!

And it features tender moments which make you stop and think. Some of the subjects covered made me reflect on the world we live in at the moment. And it proves that sometimes the best way to fit in, is to stand out and let pride be your guide. As Lola proudly puts it… “Be yourself, everybody else is taken!”

So Ladies & Gentleman... and those who haven’t quite decided yet... get your tickets booked and step into a dream where glamour is extreme! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kinky Boots – The Musical is live at The Regent Theatre in Hanley until Saturday 29th December.

Tickets are available at www.atgtickets.com or by calling the Regent Theatre Box Office on 08448 717649.