Kinky Boots

On arrival at the Grand there was an air of heightened excitement prior to the performance. Departing, the audience was buzzing, there was no disappointment evident, we were entirely entertained by this well staged production which had glitz and glamour and was delivered with high energy from start to finish.

The set was magnificent, the props and scenery cleverly managed so the stage was changed at a lightning pace from the shoe factory to the setting for the drag show and catwalk in Milan. The changeovers were seamless with continuity maintained without a hitch or delay. The lighting arrangements cleverly and suitably modified for all scenarios enhancing each individual performance in the show. Credit for this must go to Rob Morrison,for the role he played in the management of this staging.

Laura Canadine, is a genius director and talented choreographer, who gave this show physical dynamism that offset the story’s feel good factor. The dance movements devised were fast moving, vibrant and mesmerizing, very slick, crowd scenes busy and inventive with cast members’ body gestures strong with unrepeated expressions of body language. Laura’s use of tableaux at key moments of the story was notably effective and cleverly crafted. Her step sequences secured the energetic flow throughout the production.

The story focussed on Charlie Price, played by Alec White, who unwillingly inherited a struggling shoe factory from his father. Initially wanting to get rid of the business but a chance encounter with drag queen, Lola (Jaii Andrew), inspired him to turn the troubled factory into a creative Northampton catalyst for producing dazzling red boots, which had sturdy stilettos. Lola is forced back into a man’s world when accepting to help a new friend to support him. Charlie’s fiancé, Nicola (Lydia Hackett), was reluctant to support him as she was keen to move to London where she felt they would have a higher status in society. As the story unfolded both Charlie and Lola were pulled out of their comfort zones with relationships with themes of forgiveness, acceptance and love running right through the show.

Alec White gave both a strong and polished performance overall as Charlie, and confidently sang some difficult challenging songs  with ease .He showed great versatility in his role and most worthy of the rapturous applause he received.

Jaii Andrew, who appeared as Lola and Simon, was totally flawless and professional on stage radiating immense presence. As Lola, he was convincingly alluring, sensual, spirited, and charismatic as the showgirl. His movements striking; his dancing faultless, frenetic and lively; his voice rich, his singing beautiful. His overall performance was majestic, first rate!

When accompanied by her Angels the stage came alive. They were resplendent in their outrageously dazzling costumes, performing breath taking, athletic dance moves incorporating high kicks, splits adopting vibrant arrangements which captivated the audience. These distinctive dancers were first class and fabulous to watch.

Other commendable performances include Lydia Hackett who played Nicola with conviction and confidence. Imogen Wood presented her role with great animation as Lauren, appropriately bubbly, self-assured, and funny. Mike James was impressive in his supportive role as Don, the factory worker whose insecurities were reflected in the story and he showed versatility in his performance. Amy Evans delivered her role perceptively and demonstrated both flair and talent.

Nicholas Sullivan was an absolute delight as George; every expression animated, every movement exacting and characterised, sustaining effervescence and energy into his performance, wonderful!

Engaging performances too from the rest of the supporting cast, including Olly Derham as Harry; Hannah Brook as Trish; Stephen Burton-Pye as Mr Price and Richard Bailey; and finally, Daniel Webley as Young Charlie and Romeo Eriaku as Young Lola. They each gave unique fitting performances as individuals and were phenomenal.

Congratulations too, to Gareth Howard for his skilful musical direction. This music was not well known and had some forgettable songs, but what was most apparent was the challenge presented for the singers and ensemble, for the variety of voice ranges demanded from the performers demanded much rehearsal with strict rhythmic numbers and harmonies that enhanced the delivery of some songs. Gareth masterminded this achievement from the cast and the Midland Concert orchestra. The finale was uplifting with the closing song, ‘Raise You Up’ which was suitably rousing, bringing this evening to a sensational end and leaving the audience uplifted with the remarkable cast , some looking stunning in their own brightly coloured kinky boots!

Congratulations to Bilston Operatic Company, to the cast and crew of, ‘Kinky Boots’, of course.

 

 

 

 

 

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