Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots could be seen as the story of challenges in the shoe industry, but the reality is that it’s the story of those facing challenge in their own lives and how they use the challenges, changes and opportunities to learn about themselves and to work with others to improve the world.  When Charlie Price’s dad dies suddenly he has to put his big city dreams on hold to return to Northampton and the family business.  Leaving his fiancée, the determined Nicola, in the big city he finds that there is much to be done if he wants to save the business and the jobs of people he has known all his life.  A chance meeting with drag queen Lola forces him to re-think his business strategy and his approach to life.

Dee Bennie-Marshall, Director and Choreographer had pulled together an excellent and talented cast to bring this story to life and they brought it to life with 2.5 feet of shiny red boots.  Whilst they poured their feet and legs into these ‘kinky’ boots their passion, ability and joy spread across the auditorium as fast as a bobbin of cotton falling from a sewing machine.  The music was fabulous and the large, live band, under the direction of Matt Symonds (MD) really enhanced the production. 

The show has a range of interesting characters, starting with factory owner, Mr Price (Senior) brilliantly played by David Hookham.  It was a shame that an integral part of this story is the death of Mr Price (Senior) as Hookham brought a great empathy to the role even in his short time on stage – you felt you wanted to meet Mr Price, have a drink with him and hear all about his love of shoes.  Nicola (Katie Eyre) was a rather unlikeable character, desperate to get away from the small town – Eyre left you in no doubt that, sadly, Nicola really did think the most beautiful thing in the world was a pair of shoes.   Having seen Sam Clarkson in a range of roles his ability to play very diverse characters came through in his interpretation of the factory hard man Don – a great portrayal. Shoe buyer Harry, who moonlights as a pub singer, was confidently played by Darren Mann-Saunders – a strong and entertaining character. 

There were some supporting roles - Rachel Hirst Marshall as the bombastic Trish, Sophie Parkin as an endearing Pat, Martin Farthing as Richard Bailey, Nathan Smith as Simon Sr and Donald McInnes as George along with the factory workers, Jasmine Richards, Claire Hookham Williams and Joanne Farthing who were all thoroughly believable as their characters.  With on time, sharp delivery they all looked the part and remained totally engaged with the story line even though they had no doubt rehearsed each scene a hundred times.   This attention to detail is at the essence of a RMTC production – everyone on stage can see how they contribute to the bigger picture and they work hard regardless of the size of their role.

The ensemble were excellent as were the two younger cast members Alfie Houghton and William Pawson who took on the parts of young Charlie and young Lola respectively - very credible performance from two young men on a big stage with an experienced cast.  The Diamond Dancers, under the tutor ledge of Dance Captain Charlotte Wall, really added to the production numbers.  The fabulous Angels (Thomas Clarkson, Dillon Batey, Ashley Booker, Ellie Simmons,  Ferne Nodder and Jack Parkinson) looked and performed wonderfully – stunning ‘drag’ costumes and confident routines – regardless of the high heels!  The writer was particularly impressed with the way they managed the fight scene including the announcements, presentation of the fight ring and a stunning ‘ring girl’ to remind the audience which round was next.  The Angels worked well together as a team and on reading the programme this is even more impressive when you learn that whilst some are very experienced performers for Parkinson this was his first time on stage.

Despite the very high standard of all areas of the production the real clincher was the casting and delivery of the three main roles.  Kati Gill was brilliant as the clueless Lauren, who falls in love with Charlie, not realising her feelings are reciprocated.  Gill had no hesitation in presenting herself in a range of humorous ways and her solo ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ was hilarious.  Nick Walton was an amazing Charlie, he captured the passion and intensity of the role and the audience felt his frustrations.  His voice worked so well with Ben Loy (Lola/Simon) that the pair were clearly destined to do these roles together.  Loy was unforgettable as the formidable drag queen, Lola – a really beautiful interpretation of the challenges life had thrown in their way.   Excellent numbers and Loy never once looked out of place in the many dresses and wigs.  A really fabulous lead line-up.

Sound and light were strong.  The costumes, both professional and produced in-house, along with the stunning set added to this production.  The swift scene changes were well managed by the stage crew.  The Production Team had clearly all worked hard across a range of disciplines to bring this show to life. 

This can safely be written up as another RMTC success – with ‘sole’, attitude and a fabulous up-beat finale on 8 inch-high heels.  Congratulations to everyone involved – a superb production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.