Kinky Boots

Once again LAOS has another hit on their hands!  After their 2020 productionof 'My Fair Lady' was abandoned due to the pandemic, they have not been idle and in the words of another iconic musical - 'it's so nice to have you back where you belong'!

The story of 'Kinky Boots' began life as a movie which enjoyed considerable success, starring Chweitel Ejiofor as Lola, the drag queen.

Since 'Kinky Boots' burst on the musical scene it has enjoyed hugh success both professionally and when it was released for the amateur stage - inspired by a true story, it follows the 'uppers and downers' of a Northampton shoe factory specialising in rather conservative shoes and boots and how, by supplying boots for drag artists, turned its fortunes around and never looked back.

The book by Harvey Fierstein, follows closely the movie's story - how the factory owner, Charlie Price, corners the market by making thigh length red boots with strengthened shanks to take the drag artists weight without breaking the heels. With the help of Lola, the drag queen who becomes Charlie's project manager in the factory, the story shows how they both overcome the prejudices of the factory workers, as well as confronting their own personal misgivings. Cyndi Lauper composed the score for the musical and it is a delight - good, tuneful ballads combined with roaring company numbers make this a most entertaining musical.

Under the direction and choreography of Louise Denison plus their musical director, Jim Lunt, this is indeed a stunning show. Before I begin my review, I would just like to say one word - Professional!  The whole cast, from top of their heads to the fabulous red boots, threw themselves into this production with my two most favourite words - Energy and Enthusiasm. That was the key to the whole evening's entertainment.

The two main leads - Robert Durkin as Charlie, the reluctant owner of the Price Shoe Factory and Luke Wilby as Lola, the drag queen with a boot issue, played their roles with the utmost ease and charm which comes from a profesional background - Robert, with his soaring ballads performed with great sensitivity, whilst Luke made the very most of 'strutting his stuff' and looking fabulous to boot!  Both men had an amazing vocal range which was very impressive.

And now to the principal girls; Kirsty O'Sullivan as Nicola, Charlie's erstwhile girlfriend, Charlotte McCamley as Lauren, (excellently zany!), Jacqueline Bell as Trish and Jane Robinson as Pat - all factory workers for Price's - these performances were strong and well-drawn - they had a lot of fun!

The principal boys were equally of an exceptional standard - I loved Rich Billings as Don, the homophobic factory shop steward and Ian Wilson as George, the endearing assistant to Charlie (great Midland accent from him) - the inimitable Mike Porter played Charlie's father Mr Price Senior, a small role, but these character roles are so important when are done well. Ryan Brown, as Harry, an enthusiastic factory worker and Elliott Matthews as Richard Bailey, the architect, all played their parts very convincingly.

In the story, Lola is supported by six drag queens called Angels - now, I have seen many productions of Kinky Boots and have immediately been able to pick out the boys from the girls in the line up - LAOS managed to find six chaps who were perfection - along with Lola, they had the most amazing figures and legs!!  Can you hear the envy in my voice!  Absolutely fabulous!  All costumed and wigged to perfection (not forgetting the acccurate makeup!)  The Angels were played by Paul Bamber, Drew Bennett, Jack Ellis, Killian Kilduff, Ross Tonkin and Kyle Walker.

There were two junior principals in the cast - on the night I attended, Jude Sykes played Young Charlie and Ellis Hargreaves played Young Lola - both are talented young men who should go far, On the other nights these roles were played by Leo Lee as Young Charlie and Harry Thomas as Young Lola.

All these performers were so well supported by a brilliant ensemble - natural in their acting and amazing in dance routines - I wish I had space to name you all personally - in fact, I could tell that the excitement of being back on the Grand stage after a three-year void came over the footlights into the audience - we were all enthralled! 

The brilliant choreography and excellent Direction were down to the oh so talented Louise Denison - the action never stopped and I was breathless after carefully executed routines and movement. The fantastic musical director, Jim Lunt, had brought out the best in the cast vocals and a professional orchestra enhanced Cyndi Lauper's rock score without drowning the lyrics.

I always add to my reviews the Production team who work so tirelessly behind the scenes and without whom the show would not go on.

Please forgive me for not naming you all personally but I must mention the Production Manager Andy Thomson and Stage Manager, Ian Thomson, who had assembled a terrific crew to work the show. Scenery, scene changes, props, sound, lighting (excellent on the Grand stage) - costumes, wigs, makeup, hair - all of the highest sandard, The Front-of-House was welcoming and bright - how we have missed the live performances - now truly back in business!

To sum up - LAOS must be extremely proud of this production - when I looked around at the full auditorium, I felt that the company must be elated that, after such a long and painful break, they came back with a bang and a pair of sexy red boots!!!

My congratulations to you all on a really memorable production.

 

 

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