Based on the 2005 movie of the same name, Bare Productions presents hit musical Kinky Boots at Paradise in Augustines. With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, the show makes a resounding comeback for the company after their 2019 production of The Addams Family.
The plot follows Charlie Price who, after inheriting the responsibility of operating his father’s shoe factory, receives help from drag queen Lola to reinvent his business. Set in Northampton, the production still conveys a Scottish pride, and the high-spirited show is not short of emotional moments.
Even if you have seen the musical before, you have not seen it like this. The somewhat intimate performance space breathed new life into Kinky Boots, and the direction was in no way prescriptive. Director Dominic Lewis did not shy away from filling the stage with constant action which felt dynamic at all times. Felicity Halfpenny’s choreography enhanced the musical’s colourful score, which was impressively handled by a full accompanying orchestra with Finlay Turnbull as musical director.
It was easy to root for Mark Wilson as a persevering Charlie Price, and Frazer Beckles played Lola with sassiness, geniality and vulnerability. Rachael Anderson was tough but affectionate as Lauren, delivering a powerful and hilarious rendition of ‘The History of Wrong Guys’. Lea Niven-Smith played a sweet but determined Nicola, and Russell Coid nailed an intimidating but forgivable Don.
The workers of Price and Son shoe factory were constantly animated, and if the show’s “angel” drag queens are not drag performers when they are not in Kinky Boots, they should strongly consider it. By the end of the show, every cast member was delivering a great deal of drag energy, and the production was well-deserving of the standing ovation it received.
The show is incredibly demanding vocally which left some numbers stronger than others, and the acting felt quite gestural at times. Nevertheless, the whole cast provided truly dazzling performances and the energy did not waiver for a second. There were general technical mishaps which could be attributed to it being opening night when I saw the show, however they were well-covered by the unphased cast.
It is tremendous yet unsurprising that Kinky Boots’ remaining performances are sold out; however, it is unfortunate for those who have missed out on such a touching and uplifting show.
