Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 25th January 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5****
Curve’s brand-new production of Kinky Boots stitches new soul into the heartwarming tale which is based on true events. Through Harvey Fierstein’s book and Cyndi Lauper’s music and lyrics, we are drawn into the lives of two seemingly different people who serendipitously meet one fateful night. Charlie, having inherited the families struggling shoe factory in Northampton after his father’s death, fears he has no choice but to sell the factory and let down his loyal workers. Lola/Simon, is the most glamourous drag queen who, whilst confident and fabulous, still continuously faces prejudice and has to remind people that they have a right to be accepted as they are. Believing they are worlds apart, but discovering they have much in common, we are taken on their most beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-affirmant, both of which make for an unforgettable adventure and a spectacular show.
Johannes Radebe set the stage alight as Lola. The moment she appears, we know we are in the presence of a true showgirl. Commanding the stage not just with incredible dance moves but also sass, we are mesmerised. Yet, throughout the performance as a whole, there shone such beauty and vulnerability, with moments of light and dark through Lola/Simon’s story that meant this wasn’t a pastiche of drag but a homage to the art and struggle, a celebration of the power and strength. Dan Partridge as Charlie Price had a wonderful connection with Radebe, working through a range of emotions as he came to terms with his paternal struggles which paralleled those of Lola/Simon. Watching them both sing ‘Not My Father’s Son’ was incredibly moving and displayed how director Nikolai Foster and choreographer Leah Hill made genius choices on how to evoke emotions from the players and the audience with subtle grace. Courtney Bowman is an absolute delight as Lauren, the factory worker turned exec, who has a huge crush on Charlie. Belting out ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ with perfect comic timing shows that she is an incredible talent. The complete cast are amazing, from Lola’s drag angels to the factory workers, the dancing, singing and performing is utterly entertaining through and through.
Stunning set and costume design by Robert Jones accompanied by lighting designer Ben Cracknell meant that every scene shone. Drag costumes and wigs are opulent and glorious which balances perfectly with the muted tones of the factory attire. The set is made up mainly to reflect the industrial Northampton shoe factory, with a hanging carousel of shoes descending at certain intervals, and machines which would slide in and out. Then a quick switch to streets, a night club, a pub, a catwalk, all seamlessly done.
But behold the boots! Glorious, red, shiny and a pair to fit everyone, no matter what your age, shape, size, colour, gender…the list could go on. The boots accept people for who and what they are, so why can’t we. What a fantastic message for a spectacular show. Kinky Boots has a tremendous cast, sublime choreography, amazing costumes, funky music and an engaging, uplifting story. These boots put the sole into soul, so get yourself to see this show.