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22 April 2025
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4****
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The message of ‘Kinky Boots’ is writ loud and clear, ‘Accept others for who they are’; has this show ever been played out against such a background of controversy, debate and anger? A story of inclusion cannot be told in more heartfelt terms than with Johannes Radebe in the lead, when his own background faced multiple barriers and no end of challenges and bigotry along the way.
Last reviewed in 2019, this new production from the Curve Theatre in Leicester and directed by Nikolai Foster took a gamble on casting the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional in a major musical theatre role. It is a gamble that just about comes off, but overall there is something missing, a spark, that something which elevates this production into the top level.
The Cyndi Lauper/Harvey Fierstein musical is a wonderful piece of work with a tremendous story, bolstered by super music and accompanying words. An uplifting but thought-provoking tale with huge entertainment value and some fabulous set-pieces. Based on a real story, the show has been a real success, far more than the film which came before.
Dan Partridge has to tread the fine line between arrogance and likeability as Charlie Price, and succeeds with the benefit of strong vocals and skilled acting. Courtenay Bowman imbues Lauren with a wonderful gaucheness and with her powerhouse singing endears herself wholeheartedly to the audience. The very strong ensemble include Scott Paige who takes every chance of comedy as George and Joe Caffrey as the ‘dinosaur’ Don who comes good in the end. There is a rather fun touch of The Angels including a number of less leggy, slim figures as Paige also doubles as one as does Jonathan Dryden Taylor who, as soon as he has finished with portraying Mr Price, dons the wig and leotard. Without a background in singing and acting, Johannes Radebe makes a very favourable impression as Lola. His slim, muscular physique makes him stand out as, of course, does the utter precision of his movement. Goodness it is a treat to watch him dance; mesmerising stuff. He comes with bundles of sass and no one can pirouette off the stage quite like him. He wears the wonderful costumes with ease but it is when in shirt and jeans as Simon that he shows huge vulnerability – the standout song for me ‘I’m Not My Father’s Son’ is a beautiful piece; movingly performed by Radebe and Partridge. There are, however, some tuning issues when it comes to the big anthem number ‘Hold Me In Your Heart’.
The set and costumes by Robert Jones did have a different feel to the original production; costume-wise, there was a less flamboyant feel, not least in the boot designs for the final catwalk; the set has many requirements, but so much had been pushed to the back of the stage and it felt somewhat disconnected from the audience. Foster’s direction is decent enough, but there was a feeling that some decisions made took away from the show – for instance, seeing the workers donning the boots for the finale meant that wow factor was lost.
The spirited band make great music and the sound and lighting design fulfilled all that was required of them.
This is a super show, but this production was not the best I have seen and I think some directorial decisions have lead to it appearing to have been compromised at the expense of making the impact it is capable of.
Cast
Johannes Radebe – Lola
Dan Partridge – Charlie
Lauren – Courtney Bowman
Newtion Matthews – Simon Snr
Kara Lily Hayworth – Nicola
Joe Caffrey – Don
Kathryn Barnes – Pat,
Lucy Williamson – Trish
Jonathan Dryden Taylor – Mr Price
Scott Paige – George
Liam Doyle – Harry.
Ensemble – Kofi Dennis, Ru Fisher, Ben Middleton, Ashley-Jordon Packer , Cerys Burton, Cole Dunn, Kaya Farrugia, Jordan Isaac, Deena Kapadia, Tori McDougall, Liam McEvoy
Creatives
Book – Harvey Fierstein
Music & Lyrics – Cyndi Lauper
Director – Nikolai Foster
Choreographer – Leah Hill
Set & Costume Design – Robert Jones
Lighting Design – Ben Cracknell
Sound Design – Adam Fisher
Musical Director – Sioned Evans
Photo Credit – Pamela Raith
