Posts with the label Kinky Boots
Showing posts with label Kinky Boots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kinky Boots. Show all posts

Wednesday 10 August 2022

Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert, Theatre Royal Drury Lane | Review


Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert
Theatre Royal Drury Lane 
Reviewed on Monday 8th August 2022 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★

After the success of last week's Chess in Concert, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane have once again opened their doors, this time for concert versions of the acclaimed Kinky Boots, starring an all-star cast. When deciding on musicals to transform into concert editions, Kinky Boots may not be the most obvious choice but the pop score lends itself wonderfully to the setting and really strips everything back to highlight the heartwarming and empowering messages which the show gives out in spades. Plus, the LMTO orchestra, conducted by Freddie Tapner help to showcase all the best parts of Cyndi Lauper's musical score.

Returning to the concert scene after his star turn as Freddie in Chess is Joel Harper-Jackson who once again shows off his vocal chops and wonderfully dynamic acting. As Charlie Price, the son who inherits his father's failing shoe factory, Joel is utterly endearing. He embodies the role and you can physically see his transformation from an unsure man to a strong, sure of himself leader. 

As his co-star, Cedric Neal is vocal perfection as Lola/Simon. His portrayal of Lola feels deeply thought through, with some extremely poignant moments; hopefully we'll get another chance to see him shine in the role in the future.

In one of the most wonderfully witty stage performances, Courtney Bowman is outstanding as Lauren. The comedic role is given extra oomph and feels completely fresh under Courtney's command. Other standouts include Kayleigh McKnight and Nikki Bentley who give stellar vocal moments. This is a really solid cast who have done a great job of putting on such a well rounded production in such a short time.

Whilst billed as a concert, there is some staging and choreography throughout and under Omar F. Okai's direction there's a great balance between subtlety and grand moments which really elevate the concert. Ben Cracknell's lighting is a star in its own right, providing a visual treat which is all things bold and absolutely brilliantly backs up the onstage action.

This is a fantastic showcase of the great cast as well as the heartwarming story that works surprisingly well in concert form. I can only imagine how great this ensemble would be in a fully staged production with all the glitz and glam the show deserves.

Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert, Theatre Royal Drury Lane | Review

Wednesday 10 August 2022

Thursday 13 December 2018

Kinky Boots (UK Tour), Edinburgh Playhouse | Review


Kinky Boots (UK Tour)
Edinburgh Playhouse 
Reviewed on Tuesday 11th December 2018 by Liv Ancell
★★★★★

Audiences at the Edinburgh Playhouse are being transported straight to the Price & Sons Shoe Factory in Northampton this December, to a time and place where drag queens and shoemakers collide in spectacular fashion, in what is a truly unique and special tale.

Kinky Boots has boldly strutted into town and delighted the Edinburgh Playhouse’s audiences since opening night on 11th December. With original music & lyrics by Cyndi Lauper performed by a diverse cast eager to impress, it is impossible not to get swept up in the drama and excitement of this unique spectacle.

The promise of the show’s eponymous red kinky boots seems far off at first, as the curtain rises to reveal the gritty factory belonging to Price & Sons, practical shoemakers. Here we meet Charlie Price, who was portrayed brilliantly by the energetic and tone-perfect Joel Harper-Jackson.


Set design (by Tim McQuillen-Wright) convincingly transforms the stage between its main two states: a working shoe factory and an intimate drag club. This reinforces the contrast between the very different worlds of protagonists Charlie and Lola, as the story dips in and out of Charlie’s tough reality and the exciting world of the exotic drag queen, Lola.

Speaking of Lola, Kayi Ushe who played the show’s famous red-boot bearer on the night stole the show in spectacular fashion. With his perfectly placed sashays, sassy one liners and full range of emotions, Kayi Ushe put on a winning performance in what is undeniably an extremely demanding role. From booty drops to belting out ballads, deadpan put-downs and effortless switches between the character’s macho masculine and drag-queen personas - sometimes done in the very same breath - the audience was absolutely blown away by the level of talent and professionalism Kayi brought to the performance.

Another notable performance in the show was that of Coronation Street veteran Paula Lane, who stepped into the fun role of homegrown Northampton pocket rocket Lauren. Her rendition of The History of Wrong Guys - just one of the show’s long list of incredibly catchy tunes - was underpinned by well-delivered slapstick elements which caused hilarity among the audience.


Lola’s cast of utterly fabulous drag queens, a.k.a The Angels, proved that when drag and theatre cross-over, the result is electric. Played by the kick-ass combination of Connor Collins, John J. Dempsey, Damon Gould, Joshua Lovell, Chileshé Mondelle, and Toyan Thomas-Browne, The Angels left the audience in utter wonderment with their sharply executed choreography. Their performance should almost come with a warning that mere mortals should not attempt their high-tempo sequences of squats, drops, jumps, sashays and moves at home. Not to mention the Angels’ costumes (costumes by Gregg Barnes) which would have put even Ru Paul’s Drag Race contestants to shame, with their dazzling glitter and unashamed flamboyance.

The story of Kinky Boots has its glorious ups, its poignant downs, and beautiful nuances of human emotion which eclipse the themes of loss, love, acceptance and even, the challenges of running a family business. The cast perfectly led us along the full spectrum of emotions, and put on a visual feast for the whole audience. A particular highlight for me in terms of staging was the boxing scene, where strobe lights helped to paint a particularly tense and dramatic scene.

I’ll leave the rest under wraps; this show is an absolute treasure box of surprises, laughs, and delights. The cast and production is of the highest standards and quality rarely seen outside of the West End or Broadway. If you’re looking for a little sparkle and escapism on a cold December evening in Edinburgh, there truly is no better place to be.


Kinky Boots runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse until January 5th 2019

photo credit: Helen Maybanks

Kinky Boots (UK Tour), Edinburgh Playhouse | Review

Thursday 13 December 2018