The smash-hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots hit the road this autumn to embark on its first ever UK tour. This fresh, feel-good production is a real spectacle whilst packing an emotional punch.
Set in Northampton, Charlie has grown up in his father’s shoe factory but when he passes away he is left the family business. When he finds out the business is struggling to get by, he has to choose whether to give up his life in Northampton to live with his girlfriend Nicola in London, or save his father’s factory and the jobs of the people he calls family. After bumping into drag queen Lola, he discovers a niche market that just might save the Price and Son factory and keep his father’s legacy alive.
Joel Harper-Jackson brings a real sincerity to the role of Charlie who is torn by the decision he is faced with and desperately doesn’t want to let anyone down. Joel brings charisma to the character and his acting is
The relationship between Harper-Jackson and Lola (Kayi Ushe) is mesmerising to watch unfold. Ushe gives a breathtaking performance as the fabulous London drag queen Lola who joins ventures with Charlie to help the business survive. His commitment to the role is outstanding as he hits both the sassy and dazzling drag numbers and the heart-achingly tender songs that are really sung from the heart such as I’m Not My Father’s Son and Hold Me In Your Heart.
The showstopping moments in the production belong to Lola’s Angels who ooze femininity as the staggeringly talented drag queens. Backflipping, dropping into splits and bringing electric energy to their movement is completely captivating. Jerry Mitchell’s choreography brings a whole new dimension to musical theatre with his dynamic vision.
The personalities in the factory create a real community on stage that is bursting with heart. Paula Lane’s expression brings humour to the factory as Lauren, the awkward and superbly dramatic young woman who falls hopelessly in love with Charlie, and the Midlands’ own Niki Evans stays true to her roots with her Black Country accent that goes down a storm in Wolverhampton.
With witty dialogue, an infectious score and a cast that will truly sweep you off your feet, the West End
With a message to be who you want to be, follow your heart and trust your instincts, underneath all the glitter Kinky Boots is musical with real heart.
★★★★★
Kinky Boots is on at the Wolverhampton Grand until the 27th of October before continuing on tour, tickets and information can be found online here.
Catch the show strutting into Birmingham Hippodrome Mon 11 Mar – Sat 23 2019, ticket info.
