London Coliseum – until 11 July 2026
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
The story of a struggling Northampton shoe factory risking it all to develop a line of the eponymous Kinky Boots for drag queens has been warming the hearts of audiences on film and stage for 20 years, and struts back to London with sparkling style, soul and energy.
Johannes Radebe is a force of nature as Lola, commanding the stage in glorious outfits and delivering cutting lines with panache. Radebe’s Phenomenal dancing is showcased brilliantly – the cheers fill the auditorium every time a dance break is slipped in. Radebe’s star power and charisma carry his larger-than-life character but he also impresses in the quieter, exposing moments when Lola takes a step back and Simon interacts with those around him. As in all productions of the show, the energy dips when Lola is offstage, but I have never seen such ecstatic reactions to Lola than when Radebe makes another spectacular entrance.
The quieter role of Charlie suits Matt Cardle well – letting his pristine vocals soar to portray the character’s emotions. Weaknesses in Harvey Fierstein’s book are exposed by the pairs’ lack of acting experience, but even the most seasoned actors cannot make some lines less stilted, while the jeopardy and unearned resolution injected in the closing scenes still jars. Luckily, these moments are swiftly forgotten, and forgiven, as killer lines are delivered by consummate scene stealers – the hilarious Rachel Izen and Scott Paige – and the spectacular Courtney Bowman as Lauren.
Robert Jones’ set design contrasts the drab factory setting with the wilder world of the drag queens and Nikolai Foster directs with panache, allowing the shifting energy to sit, clearly highlighting the different worlds. Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics are uplifting and energetic, served brilliantly by Leah Hill’s exuberant choreography for Lola and her angels. The costumes by Robert Jones and Tom Rogers are wonderfully co-ordinated but still individual enough to highlight each angel’s personality, as are the fabulous wigs and makeup by Mark Marson for Campbell Young Associates. Radebe channelling Shirley Bassey to sing Hold Me In Your Heart was absolutely stunning, artfully lit by Ben Cracknell.
The cast and creative team deliver an unforgettable West End spectacular. Uplifting, hilarious and heartfelt, Kinky Boots is guaranteed to make you smile. This is Johannes Radebe’s show, and he wears these Kinky Boots with a fiercely confident and infectious joy and passion that leaves the audience wanting to jump up and dance with him.