Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price who faces bankruptcy after he inherits a shoe factory but, after meeting Lola a drag queen, his life is changed. Charlie decides to make a range of high heeled boots for Drag Queens to try and save the business and along the way discovers that he has more in common with Lola than they first realise. With a superb score by Cindy Lauper and a heartfelt story of celebrating who you are this show was a perfect vehicle for NMTC to showcase their talent.

The set (Scenic Projects Ltd) worked really well allowing smooth transition from the inside to the outside of the factory and also adapting easily to portray other locations. A lot of attention had been given to props and to ensuring the factory workers were all kept busy. The cast were superb at moving the set and props swiftly, the scene changes were as well choreographed as the huge dance numbers in the show which were all slick and superbly presented. The sound was perfectly clear (Tyne Audio Ltd) and the lighting design (Nathan Reynard) complemented the action appropriately. Costumes were excellent (Roxy Costumes) and the Angels and Lola had all of the necessary glamour. Under the baton of Malcolm Moffat the orchestra sounded superb, first class.  

Jack Hawkins as Charlie did an excellent job of showing his characters journey from not knowing what he wanted to do to find the passion he had been searching for and Gram Cumming commanded the sassy but vulnerable role of Lola. They both gave their character portrayals so much, had absolutely wonderful voices and did a fantastic job of leading the show.

Emma Cockburn as Lauren, the worker falling for her boss, was excellent and her “The History of the Wrong Guy” was superb, and Helen Cash perfectly played the ambitious Nicola providing a super contrast in these two characters. As Don, a man stuck in his ways who struggles to accept Lola, Stu Liddle was wonderful, the character certainly goes through some changes and he did a great job.  Gary Wright got lots of laughs as factory manager George, a super character so well portrayed. It was good to see the roles of young Charlie and young Lola returned to the show (these were taken out in the professional tour), Charlie Williams Cook (Young Charlie) and Alexander Cash (Young Lola) performed with super confidence at the performance I attended and I am assured that Jude Gore and Fletcher Gore did a great job too, well done all of you!

The entire cast seemed to be having the time of their lives, the singing was superb, the choreography was slick and all of the supporting roles were well portrayed, not a weak link. There were some great moments in this production but the “Angels” absolutely brought the whole performance alive, congratulations to Will Jackson Cartlidge, James Forster, Carl Luke, Lewis Chirimuta, Henry Gould, Jack Thomas- Boddy, Steven Dixon and Matthew Leitch. Together with Lola you executed some very impressive dance moves (in heels!) and all looked amazing, I had to double check my programme that you were all men!

Congratulations to Sandra, Malcolm and Carl Luke who together with their production team put together a show which gave their cast an experience that they appeared to love every moment of and sent their audience out of the theatre uplifted and with a smile. A superb evening’s entertainment.

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