Yet another musical derived from a film and yet another fabulous blockbuster of a show! Based on the true story of a failing Northampton shoe factory, Kinky Boots follows the efforts of Charlie Price, the reluctant heir of his family’s shoe making business, to save the factory and the livelihoods of all who are employed there. As ever in life, you never know what’s around the corner and a chance meeting with Lola, a lively drag queen, ultimately transforms both of their lives and the factory’s fortunes.

Lola is in need of a pair of robust high heels for her act after failing to source the towering heels that she needed to complete her stage persona, so after some persuasion Charlie and Lola join forces to design footwear for the very niche market of drag artists. After much trial and error they agree on some designs, a tight deadline to be met of a forthcoming Milan footwear show and then face the challenge of ‘selling’ their ideas to a very skeptical workforce.

The strong cast is led by Johannes Radebe (Lola), of Strictly Come Dancing fame, and whilst his dancing pedigree cannot be questioned, I was unsure of his singing and acting ability - I need not have worried. The part of Lola must have been made for him as he was fabulous. He completely owned the character and the stage, showing both vulnerability and courage in equal measure as well as strutting his stuff leading his troupe of Angels.

Dan Partridge as Charlie was equally commanding of the stage with impressive vocals and an emotional range to match. Charlie manages to convey the frustration and pressure of a son who has struggled to rise to his father’s expectations, as indeed does Lola. Charlie’s true love interest, Lauren, was played by Courtney Bowman whose markedly relatable number The History of Wrong Guys generated extended audience applause. She somehow managed to simultaneously be funny and sincere making her character completely believable.

Lola’s troop of Angels were magnificent as they strutted their stuff with attitudes huge enough to match their swagger. Each and every one made a sensational drag queen.

There were humorous moments a plenty throughout from all the principal characters but Scott Paige as George was especially amusing in both word and action.

From the book by Harvey Fierstein and directed by Nikolai Foster, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper brought to life by the musical supervisor George Dyer, this show has everything anyone could wish for – great songs, fine-tuned energetic choreography by Leah Hill, fabulous show-stopping costumes designed by Robert Jones also the designer of the set and finally not forgetting the lighting designer, Ben Cracknell all combined their considerable talents to produce a spectacular show.

Whilst the show is a visual feast, lets not forget that it touches on issues relevant in our society today – gender identity, economic hardships, acceptance of others and the courage needed to stick to your convictions even though it can be an tough going.

It was a full house in the Lyceum and as the finale drew to a close the entire auditorium stood to their feet – what better testament to this fabulous show!

Sheffield Lyceum Until 28th June

Catch Kinky Boots at the Liverpool Empire Tue 08 Jul - Sat 12 Jul 2025
and Sunderland Empire Tue 02 Dec - Sat 06 Dec 2025