Kinky Boots, currently on its UK & Ireland Tour tells the story of Charlie Price [Joel Harper–Jackson] and his determination to turn around his failing family shoe factory by tapping into a niche market; stiletto heeled boots for drag queens. Meanwhile Lola [Kayi Ushe] overcomes the prejudices of Charlie and his fellow co-workers, helping them to accept men in frocks. It all ends harmoniously in Milan, where the business gets a glamorous reboot.
Kinky Boots is an absolute joy to behold. Everything about it from the cast, to the music and choreography oozes fabulousness and sex-appeal. I am left open mouthed as Lola’s Angels [Connor Collins, John J. Dempsey, Damon Gould, Joshua Lovell, Chileshe Mondelle, Toyan Thomas–Browne] perform super sassy choreography, backflips and high kicks in six inch heels! I have never seen anything like it before and am in complete awe of the skill, power and fierceness of these six male dancers. I’m captivated from the first song in which they perform ‘Land of Lola’, where they embody glamour, sophistication and sass in abundance.
Joel Harper-Jackson and Kayi Ushe have an incredible chemistry and it was wonderful to see this develop as part of the storyline. The duet, Not My Father’s Son, was incredibly moving – it was also refreshing to see a male duo singing so beautifully together.
Lauren [Paula Lane] has the audience in stitches with her solo performance of The History of Wrong Guys. Her comedic timing is on point and she certainly brings the laughs to the stage.
The stand out for me (and the rest of the audience) is Kayi Ushe as Lola. An absolutely breathtaking performance and a talent that I am pleased to have witnessed for myself. His performance of Hold Me in Your Heart is utterly captivating.
Kinky Boots is an outstandingly brilliant, feel-good, sassy and empowering musical that I urge everyone to see. As soon as the show is over I want to sit back down and enjoy it, in all its glory, all over again. 5/5
Review written by Stacie Pollard.
Kinky Boots is currently showing until Sat 26th January 2019 at the Marlowe Theatre. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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