Kinky Boots

London Coliseum

Johannes Radebe as Lola is the most raw, stunning and inspiring performance! Kinky Boots is a sensation of a show that has a lot of SOLE.

Another incredible show this year, and what a standout! Kinky Boots is indeed one to watch, and if you miss it... I will be very disappointed with you, fellow theatre divas.

This review is coming from a REAL LIFE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE DIVA, because this show is mostly set in Northampton. Kinky Boots is all about a family-run shoe factory, and the owner dies, meaning it is then passed down to the next family member in line, our lead, Charlie Price, played by Matt Cardle. Charlie does not want to step into his father's shoes and follow in his footsteps. He doesn't even want to be in Northampton (I know that feeling). Until he meets Lola, played by the enchanting Johannes Radebe. Lola inspires him to carry on his family business and make shoes for a niche market. Red heeled boots for drag queens, and that is the birth of 'Kinky Boots'. The story is so much more than this; it's about the importance of acceptance and being true to who you are. The casting for this show is brilliant, as they present this message and empower the audience so effortlessly. It's big, it's vibrant and best of all, it's inclusive of anyone and everyone. You simply must get your best red outfits on and see this show.

What makes this production of Kinky Boots so special is the huge cast of a range of performers, dancers, actors, singers and from all backgrounds/ages. It's uplifting to see. Johannes Radebe, whilst he has a dance-heavy background, leave those expectations of his abilities at the door and let your eyes explore what he has to offer. I can confirm, he is far from lacking in his vocal abilities and acting. I have never seen a stage presence so natural and effortless. It's hard to keep your eyes off him, and there is not a second that he disconnects from 'Lola'. It's a raw and emotion-filled performance. His adaptation of the song 'Not My Father's Son' is award-worthy, so connected, real and whilst it breaks your heart, you can feel his strength. He does keep his eyes shut throughout the song, whilst you can see the emotions he's putting forward and the vulnerability, you just want to see more, and what is going on in his eyes. However, this does not falter his performance and also... how he can walk around the stage so confidently with his eyes closed is a skill in itself. Charlie Price is played by Matt Cardle, and his and Courtney Bowman's stage relationship is electric and beautiful, it's almost childlike excitement. Matt Cardle's performance of 'Soul of a Man' is incredible, the best piece of work he does in the show. It will break you!

A huge standout in this show is the ensemble, the choreography by Leah Hill, and how the ensemble presents, so beautifully, the choreography and gives the show its KICK. The range of performers and their hard work mixed with talent is incredible to watch; it moves you to tears with joy. Whilst Johannes is an incredible dancer, there are so many dancers in the cast that are just as enchanting! The confidence, the love and the enjoyment that bounces off the cast is so infectious. Each number packs a punch, a sense of community, and perfectly matches the story. It's a joy and power that convinces the audience to feel just as passionate as the characters and get on board with their journey to find success. The moments of character clash, and when hurtful things are said, you feel the anger in the audience and disagreement; it takes you away so much that there are moments the audience is so in the story, they also react! Without this committed and brilliant ensemble, there would not be this sense of community that brings the audience in.

Of course, what also gives the show its charm is its costumes by Robert Jones and Tom Roger, set by Robert Jones, sound by Adam Fisher and lighting by Ben Cracknell. There is such a sense of community in this show that goes as deep as the creative team and every single person involved in the show. So much passion for this story and bringing it to life. Every element brings this show to life and shows this message in such a beautiful, artistic way. Can we also just have a moment to talk about the shoe factory, how dull it is and the colour that Lola brings to the factory and teaches everyone who works there to be more loving and accepting of the world and the people around them. It brings so much more colour and joy. This is shown through the creative elements. Lola and their group of incredible performers bring this colour into the setting. There are so many incredible and visually beautiful numbers, 'Sex Is In The Heel' and 'Everybody Say Yeah'. Such powerful creative moments. Another choice that is great is when the Milan fashion show scene begins, and the house lights come up, and it gets the audience in the moment, and even more of a part of the show. A huge standout in this show is Wigs, hair and make-up by Mark Marson. Some incredible work that I would like to take pictures of my hairdresser, Lola's brunette wig, for instance, is so stunning on Johannes and really complements him, whilst showing the beauty that Lola is! It amplifies Lola's confidence. What incredible work.

Basically, this is a real stand-out show this year, and it's great to have Kinky Boots back on the West End, and I am grateful to have seen this piece of theatre art. What a piece of hard work, packed with a very relevant and moving message, that every audience member needs to take away. Everyone can be a little more accepting! My only note, as a Northamptonshire girly, whilst North is in the name... we aren't northern. So, the northern accents are not accurate, but there is quite a mix of accents in the show. This doesn't distract you from the fact that this is a great show. It's fun, it's beautiful, it's raw, real and forever relevant. This is a show you really need to NOT miss!! We all need some Kinky Boots in our lives. The book by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper's music and lyrics work perfectly; this is such a standout show. Wow, just wow!

This isn't the last you'll hear of Kinky Boots from me!