Kinky Boots

Based on a 2005 British film of the same name and mostly inspired by true events, Kinky Boots has music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein. BDG won the rights to perform the Irish Premier back in 2020 but were unfortunately prevented by the onset of the Covid Pandemic – until now.

Ballywillan’s main set was a permanent one – a fairly drab row of sewing machine stations which were moved forward for appropriate scenes and a back screen on which were shown various slightly animated projections. These, although not back projected, appeared very true in  the stage lighting. The factory office was stage left on a higher level and the band were accommodated in the same position stage right. Excellent lighting created different scenes, allowing the change from Charlie’s world to Lola’s and back, although occasionally I found it a little too dim. Sound was good too – together with good diction from the actors I heard every word. The props team worked hard, and I was delighted to see the two very convincing “working” conveyor belts (I understand that they had trouble making the long boots stand up straight on them!) Factory workers wore their own clothes with monogramed tabards or aprons when at work, and costumes for Lola and her Angels were from Utopia Costumes, Scotland. They mostly followed the show’s professional styles and were colourful and outlandish although I wasn’t too keen on Lola’s leopard skin patterned shift dress and the waistcoat of his ‘man about town’ suit was a bit tight! Wig styles for Lola and the Angels were appropriate and frequently changed and their make-up was all suitably dramatic!

The show opens with young versions of Charlie and Lola (Tom Johnston/Leon Henderson/ Shay Edwards/ Zachary Wallace) – each with their father. Charlie’s father is fourth generation owner of the shoe factory, who expects his unwilling son to follow him into the business. Lola’s father is a strict disciplinarian who strongly disapproves of his son’s tendency to favour female attire. Veteran BDG member Harry Stinson played Charlie’s ageing father with convincing authority. As the role was just a short one I spotted Harry adding his voice to the Ensemble as the show progressed. Patrick Connor confidently played Charlie’s friend , successful discount shoe salesman Harry, who agreed to help him. Hyper-masculine factory foreman Don was played by Stevie Black – a perfect role for him. Stevie was butch and intimidating and it was interesting to watch him gradually change to acceptance of Lola and his Angels’ way of life. Jim Everett took the role of long-time factory manager George. Unsurprisingly he was a steady character, respected by his workers but surprisingly enthusiastic and ready to embrace a new product and make it work. I liked George. Named factory floor workers – Una Culkin as Trish, Vicky Hogg as Pat, Clare Campbell as Marge – contributed individually and together with the ensemble. Production numbers were harmoniously sung and danced and all obviously enjoyed their roles. As the ‘Angels’ are all male , a number of female singers balanced the group when they performed – Lesley Reynolds, Kellyann McKillen, Catherine Campbell, Orla Mullen, Charisse McDowell and Megan Paul were subtle and effective in their approach. Chloe Freeman-Wallace had a gift of a part as Lauren, to show her comedic talent. She immersed herself into the role of the strong working-class love-sick woman and became one of the stars of the show especially in her song “History of Wrong Guys”! On the other hand Lindsay Nelson was an uncompromising character as Nicola, Charlie’s fiancée. When she tried to persuade him to close the factory , convert the building into condominiums and move to become a Real Estate agent in London, she had a difficult task in an unsympathetic role.

A fantastic group of sassy young men played Lola’s “Angels”.  Grant O’Neill, Aaron Kennedy, Jack Graham, Sam Ingamells, Adam Mullan and Adam Campbell strutted their way through with slinky playfulness, and looked as if they enjoyed every minute! Apart from Grant (who is a part time drag artist), all were new to coping with high heels and did so with amazing expertise! Finally, leading players Charlie and Lola, were played by Adam Goudy and Alan McClarty – very different characters who eventually find that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible! As Charlie, Adam was adamant to begin with, that he would NOT take over the factory (pressed by his somewhat manipulative fiancée). Subtly Adam showed a change of attitude when he realised that the jobs of many factory workers who he knew since childhood, depended on him. He was an earnest character and credible in his growing relationship, break down and final renewal of friendship with Lola. His solo numbers – “Step One” and “Soul of Man” were strong and secure and his duet with Alan –“Not My Father’s Son” was extremely poignant. Charlie and Lola had had complicated relationships with their fathers and the weight of expectation lay heavy on them both. As Lola, Alan McClarty played a blinder! Bold and brassy with wonderful quick-fire quips, he was also able to show vulnerability as in “Hold Me in Your Heart”. With statuesque physique he mastered a sexy female gait and showed surprisingly good legs for a “cross-dressing heterosexual male”!

M.D. Andrew Robinson maintained good control of his 9-piece Band and balance between stage and pit was good. Laura’s Fisher’s choreography was well devised and appropriate, whether for the large chorus of Factory workers or for the Drag queens, and all musical staging by Sharon Logan was creative and assured. Director Brian Logan had plenty of time through lockdown to peruse Kinky Boots before bringing it to the stage! He produced a pacy show which successfully proved the mantra – “There are many ways to be a man” – while thoroughly entertaining his audience. Together with his lighting skills he created an excellent production worthy of the audience’s final standing ovation.

I brought our Wales/Ireland Regional Councillor Sharon Davies and her partner as well as my son James to attend the show and everyone had a great evening. The atmosphere continued to the foyer after the curtain when costumed cast came out to meet its public and many photos were taken! My thanks to BDG for their invitation  and for the splendid hospitality. We had a ball!

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