Kinky Boots

Opening Remarks

It was a pleasure to be invited to attend Rutland Musical Theatre’s (RMT) latest production, ‘Kinky Boots, the Musical’ (Kinky Boots).

Having received an insight into what was likely to be on offer in December 2022, when Katie Ross delivered an outstanding rendition of ‘The History of Wrong Guys’, as part of RMT’s fundraiser ‘Musical through the Years’, I was extremely excited to see what this outstanding and renowned company had produced.

What I witnessed was THE BEST community theatre production I have EVER seen, in over a decade working in the sector. My report of RMT’s ‘Kinky Boots’ can be summed up in one word:

‘PERFECTION!’

What RMT produced is worthy of the highest praise, I believe, I can give:

‘RMT’s Kinky Boots was a professional production!’

Whilst I cannot give any greater accolade than I already have, in these opening remarks, I will go on to give fuller comments on what was an exceptional show.

The Show

‘Kinky Boots’ has received critical acclaim, both in the West End and Broadway. The music and lyrics are by Grammy, Emmy and Tony award-winning artist, Cyndi Lauper, whilst the book is by four-time Tony award-winning writer and actor Harvey Fierstein.

The book is based on a true story concerning Steve Pateman, who sought to save his family-owned shoe factory in Earls Barton, Northamptonshire, by beginning to manufacture a line of kinky boots for Divine Footwear. The story was first captured in a BBC documentary, then a film, and now a musical. It was a meaningful addition, by RMT, to include Steve in the production – with him being in the theatre each night to welcome patrons and share his story.

The musical created by Lauper and Fierstein plots the attempts of Charlie Price to save his family business, Price & Son. In this endeavour, Charlie meets Lola, a drag queen who needs a shoe that can withhold her sheer force of nature. The pair then embark on a heart-warming story of discovery, each learning from the other, how to break free of the chains of family expectations and gaining valuable insights into what seem to be juxtaposed worlds of ‘rural factory life in Northampton’ and ‘the drag community of London’. A happy ending is offered, with Charlie and Lola succeeding in saving Price & Son, and Charlie finding true acceptance in Northampton amongst his employees and love interest, Lauren. At the heart of the musical are themes of acceptance, belonging, and love for all – certainly values that this world can never be too short of.

‘Kinky Boots’ is one of my favourite modern musicals. I last watched it when the professional tour visited Northampton in 2018; it was a difficult time in my life, and I have not been able to listen to the score or watch to show since then. I thank RMT for reintroducing me to ‘Kinky Boots’ and allowing me to create new memories of what is an outstanding show, which I truly love. Thank you!

Creatives

The trio of Tom Johnson (Director), James Harragan (Musical Director), and Ally Ambrose (Choreographer) made an unstoppable creative force that created the best show I have ever seen on the community theatre circuit.

Direction by Tom was flawless. His approach to blocking, character work, and scene transitions were hallmarks of his professional approach. I really cannot give enough praise for Tom’s work, which is perfect. I would not have changed a single thing had I directed the production myself: I cannot give any higher praise than that.

Musical direction by James was outstanding and resulted in vocals of a professional standard. His coaching of the cast ensured that the musical offering lived up to the exceptional music and lyrics of Lauper. I also extend my praise to the orchestra, which was also of a professional standard.

Choreography by Ally was amazing. The blocking of all numbers was brilliant and added massively to the overall value of the production. Ally successfully replicated, but added her own signature, to the movement demanded by ‘Kinky Boots’. Her work added to the success of the show and guaranteed the professionalism of the production: Kinky Boots demands outstanding choreography, and Ally delivered.

Tom, James, Ally – PERFECTION! Thank you!

Cast

The cast of RMT’s Kinky Boots was made up of 35 members: each member delivered a professional performance. What was collectively created, by the principals and ensemble, was of the highest standard and the best I have ever seen of an amateur company.

I would love nothing more than to give individual praise to each cast member. However, to do so would result in a never-ending report. So, alas, I cannot. Instead, I offer each of you this:

RMT’s exceptionally talented membership, which is professionally able, intensely committed, and full of outstanding talent, created a professional staging of Kinky Boots. You are all stars!

With the above in mind, I am, nevertheless, compelled to note a limited number of performers that were worthy of even higher praise for their work, which I note below. However, I constrain my praise to a few words because of the need for brevity.

James Barlow, as Charlie Price: “Perfection – better than any professional Charlie Price I have seen!”

Lewis Shaw, as Lola/Simon: “Breathtakingly brilliant! Outstanding!”

Katie Ross, as Lauren: “Wow! Amazing.”

Jenny South, Jordan-Bryony Heeley, Jude Major, Heather Bambridge, Victoria Fallow-Norton, Reece Yarnold, as the Angels: “YASSS Queens! Slay! Exceptional work.”

John Padwick, as George: “Excellent portrayal of the role.”

Craig McClelland as Milan S/M: “Hilarious – thank you so much. The audience loved your work!”

Finally, I would like to finish my praise for the cast by offering a special well done to Corey Litster (Young Charlie) and Sophia Pirie (Young Lola). Both did an excellent job in their respective roles and have promising futures on stage.

I finish this part of my report by offering every member of the cast a written standing ovation, to replicate what was received on the eve of my visit!

Bravo!! Yasss!! Whoooope!! Brruuupppp!!

Production

The production was of a professional standard.

The set, staging, and props – hired for the production – created the professional backdrop required for the professional performances offered by the cast and the work undertaken by the creative team. I congratulate all concerned.

The costumes were also excellent, and I want to make a special note for the exceptionally high standard of the wigs used by RMT. Again, the attention to detail added to the professional standard of this production. It was also brilliant to see the investment made to ensure all the cast could wear kinky boots in the finale.

My congratulations are also extended to the stage crew who managed transitions with professional ease. I also thank the chaperones that allowed for the child performers to take part.

The lighting design, by Tom Johnson and David Imrie, was excellent, and added greatly to the overall professional standard of the production.

The programme was outstanding and was, again, of a professional standard. Also of an exceptionally high standard was the marketing and social media materials that supported the show: I am in no doubt that the effort made here contributed to a sell-out run of shows. I can appreciate how easy it is to overlook the attention to detail paid here and for praise to be missed. As such, I want to specifically acknowledge the outstanding work of Katie Ross, who upheld the professional standard of RMT’s work off the stage in the realms of social media, programme creation, and marketing.

Closing Remarks

It is the intense attention to detail shown by RMT – onstage, off stage, in marketing, across the board in all areas – which I have noted throughout my report, that allows me to proclaim that ‘Kinky Boots’ was a professional production.

My very warmest of congratulations for what was an outstanding production, which could have easily been the professional touring production of ‘Kinky Boots’! The show produced really was perfect.

I thank each member of RMT, but particularly Laura Ray, for the extremely warm welcome shown to me.

I now pass over the NODA responsibilities concerning RMT to my colleague, Colin Blackler, as the new NODA Representative for District 6. However, I truly and sincerely wish RMT all the very best for the future; I can assure all concerned that I will continue to follow RMT’s endeavours with great interest!

Luke Campbell

NODA Representative, East Midlands District 7

 

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