Kinky Boots

KINKY BOOTS: Book by Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and music by Alan Menkin, is based on the film (starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Gemima Rooper and Sarah Jane Potts) and all of this is a true story. Set in a Northampton shoe factory, Price and Sons, where Charlie Price is facing huge debts following the death of his father. He either has to diversify or go under. His fiancée wants to sell the factory and make a killing in the property market.  But Charlie has other ideas and a drag queen may have the answer and Lola enters Charlie’s life to become an unlikely creative consultant.  

The sets were impressive and included a raised platform to allow the boss to oversee the factory floor, a conveyor belt, work stations and as the action moved from nightclub, to pub and other locations, the scene changes were done swiftly and often as part of the action. The props were amazing, detailed and effectively handled by the cast.  

The fabulous costumes were first class, colourful and fitted well. There were numerous changes, specially for ‘The Angels’.  The factory workers were well thought out, practical and in keeping with the story.    

The lighting was effective.  The cast sounded terrific from start to finish.  The singing was exceptional. The lead roles were amazing and there was great support from the ensemble.  There was a good balance of toe tapping, razzmatazz numbers as well as soulful ballads.  All were delivered with emotion and control. 

This was a life affirming, feel good show about sexual tolerance, friendship and unity.   It's colourful, with stunningly creative direction and choreography from Adam Bayjou and Luannsa Goodman and was visually lush. All performers gave life and enormous energy throughout making it impossible to single out any one performance.   However, The Angels deserve praise (or danger money?) for performing on vertiginous heels!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.