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REVIEW | Kinky Boots - The Musical, UK and Ireland tour - Sheffield Lyceum Theatre
- Harry Brogan
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
AD | Tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
Kinky Boots is BACK...The award-winning musical returns playing at theatres across the county in this brand-new made at the Curve production starring Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe as Lola.
Kinky Boots which is based on a true story and the 2005 film with the same name, follows Charlie and the beloved but struggling Northampton shoe factory he inherits after his fathers passing. Charlie begins to look for a way to save it, that's until Charlie meets drag queen Lola, whose heels could be the answer Charlie Price is looking for.
Kinky Boots has a book written by Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by 80s pop/rock artist Cyndi Lauper, with this production being directed Nikolai Foster and choreography by Leah Hill.
This production of the much loved musical is most certainly different from its original Broadway and West End production, with this production having many likeable changes in its direction, musically changed slightly, while also being visually different too.
Directed by Nikolai Foster, Foster's successful direction brings new likeable additions to the work, Foster enhances the characters Lola and Charlie (Played by Dan Partridge) within this new production, with Foster incorporating the younger cast members playing young Charlie and Lola, which results into not just moving the story along but also allowing and also serving the audience a purposeful understanding of the characters of Charlie and Lola, enabling us to see Lola and Charlie's thoughts in their head and look back to their younger selves. Foster's direction choice particularly stands out during I’m Not My Father’s Son and is heart-warming to watch, and in my opinion young Charlie and Lola play an essential part of the show than before. Though Foster's direction is sometimes maybe missed at times on the left side of stage which is a struggle to see due to large hanging towered speakers, which do block some of show on the left, but doesn't have a major overall impact on Foster's direction as a whole. Foster's direction is grounded and holds somewhat a handful of moments of stillness, which lets the dialogue take charge and themes to clearly be shown. Foster's direction at times is somewhat comedic and creates tension for time to time between Charlie and Nicola (played Kara Lily Hayworth). Foster thinks about certain little moments to tell the story that may of gone a miss last time. Foster expands and adds little details such as moments travelling back from London on the tube and moments of a funeral, which to me adds to the journey of the show and characters. Foster's excellent direction plays on purposefulness and doesn't get you questioning the choices made. Foster paces the show well, along with the book, that both hand in hand never feels rushed or feeling hastily wanting to get to a musical number. Foster's direction is, genuine. skilled, and also moving.
Written by Harvey Fierstein, Fierstein writes a compelling, loveable book that has moments of comedy. Fierstein writes themes of friendship, acceptance and individuality well and clearly, with the shows poignant dialogue being well received from the audience, while also the comedy is too. As said previously, the book is paced well and doesn't feel like it rushes to one of Cyndi Lauper's songs written for the show, the comedy is good, which delivers wit, with majority of it coming from Lola (Radebe) Lauren and George ( played Courtney Bowman and Scott Paige). Fierstein also writes what is tense dialogue between the characters Don (Played by Joe Caffrey) and Lola, and also writes more tense moments that has some strong language from the character Charlie towards Lola. There's a handful of touching moments throughout the book such as before I'm Not My Father’s Son, between Charlie and Lola, and also during towards the end of act 2 when Charlie regrets. Fierstein writes characters with many being loveable and able to root for, and all are equally written well. Fierstein delivers an adaption of a film and true life story pleasingly well it's a favourite to many, being proven by its six year Broadway run and also its four years in the West End. It's a book that is written with heart, with a message that is powerful with touches of comedy as well.
Award-winning 80s pop star Cyndi Lauper writes the music and lyrics for this show, this production takes on noticeably new arrangements and orchestrations from what you can hear in Lauper's original score that can be heard on both London and Broadway cast recordings, with many taking on a new surprising sound to them such as Soul of Man, Land of Lola and Sex Is In The Heel. Lauper's lyrics get a few small minor changes to them, but nothing that changes majorly. Lyrically the songs are memorable and the score ranges from joyous to emotive and meaningful. Majority are upbeat with a clear pop influence, with the songs finding themselves in a good position within the show to carry it along. Cyndi Lauper succeeds in creating an impressive modern musical work which is a favourite to many.
Johannes Radebe plays Lola, receiving an applauding and cheering response on first entrance by many of audience members. Radebe delivers vocals that are surprisingly impressive and admired with delivering excellent vocal skills especially Hold me in your Heart. Radebe commands every moment on stage with stage presence that is carried well throughout, while also Radebe's dance ability is undoubtedly fantastic and for sure doesn't go unnoticed one bit. Radebe's performance is full of sass, feeling, good comedy and lots of energy, and altogether gripping.
Dan Partridge takes on the role of Charlie, Partridge takes on the role well. Partridge has a good connection with Radebe and the friendship forming between them. Partridge also shows nice connections with Bowman and Paige with interactions being funny at times. Partridge's vocals are skilled, and brings brilliance throughout. Partridge's characterisation is pleasing full of heart and determination. An enjoyable performance from the start.
Courtney Bowman plays Lauren, Bowman has well timed comedy, displaying amusing comedy throughout that gets the audience laughing. Bowman's vocals are delightful especially during The History of Wrong Guys with Bowman giving a talented performance.
Finally two noted performances come from Scott Paige as George and Liam Doyle as Harry who's performances are brill.
Leah Hill's choreography shines bright, the lively choreography creates
feel-good energy to the numbers with Hill's Choreography being terrific to watch.
Ben Cracknell's lighting is full of bursting colour that fills the stage on various moments, but is also calm and gentle when needed. While Robert Jones' industrial factory set design is very good and is somewhat extensive with added suited electrical elements within it.
Kinky Boots is a fun loving musical, it's more than a show about a struggling shoe factory, who turns to makes boots, it's about acceptance, friendship and most of all being your true self. It's a beaming production that knows exactly how it wants you the audience member to feel when leaving theatre and that is with a big smile on your face and feeling proud to be you. This production is a worthy watch for sure. A heartening, uplifting, bright and clever production all delivered by a stunning cast.
★★★★★
Kinky Boots plays at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 28th of June before continuing its UK and Ireland tour.
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