A decade has passed since Kinky Boots first strutted into the West End and won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Since then it has toured the UK, enjoyed a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, and firmly embedded itself as one of the most uplifting British musicals of recent years. Now, this West End revival at the London Coliseum brings the show back on a grander scale, a glow up of the most recent touring production which originated at Leicester Curve under director Nikolai Foster, and one that is sure to appeal to audiences thanks to its star casting of Johannes Radebe as Lola and Matt Cardle as Charlie.
Based on the true story of a Northampton shoe factory on the brink of closure, Kinky Boots tells the improbable tale of how the struggling business reinvented itself, swapping gentleman’s brogues for bespoke boots designed for drag queens. It is a cracking premise, and still a heartwarming one, but this rebooted production slightly dilutes the storytelling, occasionally leaving the audience to fill in the blanks. Charlie’s love life remains a compelling subplot, but here it feels a little shoehorned in, while both Charlie and Lola’s backstories are rushed through with less emotional detail than before. The result is a show that keeps its momentum but sometimes sidesteps the deeper beats that once made it land so powerfully.
The leads nevertheless deliver exactly what they need to. Cardle’s vocals are sensational throughout, particularly during Soul of a Man, which he sings with a clarity and emotional charge that fills the vast Coliseum. Radebe, meanwhile, has all the sass, attitude and movement required to make a fabulous Lola. His stage presence is undeniable and his physicality is thrilling to watch. While their spoken scenes can occasionally lose energy, their performances in their respective specialisms more than compensate. The production also has an alternate Lola, played by Tosh Wanogho-Maud at certain performances.
They are supported by a fantastic ensemble who truly elevate the show. Courtney Bowman shines as Lauren, delivering a flawless performance full of warmth, humour and outstanding vocals. Scott Paige provides the standout comedy turn of the night as factory foreman George, clearly revelling in every moment. Jessica Daley brings heart to Trish, and although only briefly seen as Harry, Liam Doyle makes a strong impression.
Visually, the production looks terrific. Robert Jones’ set design makes excellent use of the Coliseum’s large space, filling it without ever feeling sparse. The costumes, created by Robert Jones and Tom Rogers, are exquisite, and the boots themselves come into their own during the finale, drawing some of the loudest cheers of the evening.
The choreography by Leah Hill is also a real highlight. Slick, energetic and full of character, it drives the show’s rhythm and injects an infectious sense of fun into both the factory floor numbers and Lola’s high octane performances. The Angels in particular execute their routines with impressive precision, giving the production much of its fizz, flamboyance and athletic flair.
Throughout the show, its important messages of acceptance and individuality ring out clearly. Although the moment of conflict between Charlie and Lola feels unnecessarily harsh, it does pave the way for a sweet and satisfying resolution. Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics remain the beating heart of the piece: a vibrant pop parade anchored by rousing ballads. Courtney Bowman’s beautifully delivered The History of Wrong Guys feels the closest to a true Lauper hit, but there are plenty more songs you will find yourself humming on the way home.
For all its minor narrative scuffs, Kinky Boots is a high gloss revival that sparkles with joy from top to toe, powered by standout performances, sumptuous visuals and choreography that lifts the energy sky high.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
