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Who's excited to have this sexy, sparkly bombshell back? Everybody say yeah! Get all dressed up in your brightest shade of red and make your way to see Kinky Boots when its fresh UK tour arrives near you. Having last been performed on the West End in 2018, with only a brief stints elsewhere filling the gap between then and now, it's been a longawaited return for the production's many avid fans, but this version certainly lives up to its legacy.
When Charlie Price - played excellently by Dan Partridge - inherits his family shoe factory, it has always been expected for him to carry on the generational manufacturing chain. However, unsure on what he wishes the future to hold, the struggling business is a difficult burden at a pivotal time in his life. Unexpectedly thrown into embracing the land of Lola, a chance meeting with the drag queen poses the opportunity for the trajectory to change completely for both of them.
Johannes Rabede brings such a rare type of magic as a performer. He plays Lola with a beautiful ease and evidently shows how much the part means to him personally but in a way that adds such a special level of depth to the character: a deep-rooted passion for the craft and the story behind it. Living fiercely yet with a gentle essence, the role reflects honesty in its rawest form, exploring truths of identity that will resonate with some, but be thought-provoking for all. With his phenomenal dance skills well-publicised, a vocal repertoire to match was unknown. Now confirmed, the versatile tone and perfect characterisation undoubtedly display Johannes as such a multi-faceted asset to the arts industry.
It's no surprise, though, that every song is a hit, since music and lyrics are by the legend that is Cyndi Lauper. From soulful to spectacular, with a healthy side of humour, each track emulates the narrative in a way that keeps audiences hanging on to every note. The entire musical is a string of consecutive numbers with their own flair and bringing exactly what is needed to the moment. 'Step One' and 'Sex is in the Heel' offer an infectious, upbeat energy, followed by Courtney Bowman's impression of Lauren, the comedically awkward colleague, best demonstrated through 'The History of Wrong Guys'. 'Not My Father's Son' and 'Soul of a Man' are slower-paced and emotional, showing the range exposed across the piece. To close, 'Raise You Up/ Just Be' gives a euphoric ending that poses a message to 'celebrate your life triumphantly' with many more lyrics there also summarising the joy brought by Kinky Boots and its call for acceptance.
Married with punchy, immaculately executed choreography by Leah Hill, a great balance allows for each of Lola's Angels, her fellow drag queens, (Scott Paige, Kofi Dennis, Ru Fisher, Ben Middleton, Ashley Jordon-Packer and Liam McEvoy) to equally shine alongside Johannes in the star role, demonstrating their immense skillset too.
Every pathway isn't without conflict. Charlie's girlfriend, Nicola (played by Kara Lily Hayworth) has to negotiate their new life during the turbulence of factory troubles. Don (Joe Caffrey) has a personal journey too, as he fights with the other workers, including Pat (Kathryn Barnes) and Trish (Lucy Williamson) to keep their income from a company they have all invested so much in. Liam Doyle joins the cast too as Harry, being part of the plot. The fathers (Jonathon Dryden Taylor as Mr Price, and Newtion Matthews as Lola's dad) have always had contentious bonds with their boys to: having the relationship between the leads and their younger selves adds a further precious dynamic to the emotional weight of the performance as a reflection on identity.
For a touring show, it's no mean feat to replicate an entire factory as a set, but Robert Jones - also doing a fabulous job as costume designer - manages to utilise the space well, embracing the opportunity to turn the authentic atmosphere into one with brighter lights and more sparkles when necessary to contrast the brown of leather. Nikolai Foster once again delivers with his directing expertise to bring out the best of this amazing cast.
Don't walk - strut - as fast as you can in those heels to grab yourself a ticket to see Kinky Boots now. Many performances are rightfully selling out, so be quick to avoid missing out!
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