Kinky Boots

An amazing show with a timely message even for the days in which we live now – inclusiveness is the word.

I hadn’t seen this show before and the story line of a shoe factory in Northampton which was in danger of closure, turning from making brogues to the very different colourful high heeled boots for drag queens made for a really interesting theatrical experience.  It was based on a true story and was a wonderful foundation for what was to come.

There were so many really good performances throughout – from those in the ensemble as well as the principals. 

Charlie Price inherited the shoe factory from his father (Nicholas Reynolds appeared as Mr Price briefly before the character passed away – always good to see Nick on stage). Charlie was played by Kitson Wellard and gave the part all that was necessary to portray a man in great trouble whose life was turned round by meeting the unlikely character of Lola aka Simon).  Josh Wildman gave an amazing performance as Lola with great energy and charisma looking wonderful in his drag costumes as did his four Angels played by Oscar Smith, Luke Charlesworth, Christian McDonald and Seth Ringrose who were all in great form.

Amy Searle who played Lauren admirably was brought in from the shop floor to help design the right style of boot but when that didn’t really work, Lola was brought in as a consultant.

Many of the male employees were uncomfortable with the presence of Lola, definitely including the chauvinistic Don played with vivacity by Leigh Baker.  He eventually turns over a new leaf when Lola allows him to win an arm wrestling match.

Nicola, Charlie’s fiancée at the time was played by Amy Shurey with aplomb and after many alarms and excursions involving all those involved in the story, things certainly took a different course and ended with the boots being shown in the prestigious Milan Fashion Show.  Mention must be made of Claire Robinson as the Italian Stage Manager of the fashion show performed in one of the upper theatre boxes in great Latin style!

It was good to see some youngsters on the stage as well – Bertie Thomas-Jones as Young Charlie and Jago Gardner as Young Simon/Lola – although only on stage for a short while, they both performed well.

The costumes were amazing and all involved in that department did a really wonderful job.  The same goes for hair and makeup – it was good to see that Hasting College were involved in this.  The scenery was ideal and well handled when moved and all the other totally necessary backstage jobs were executed with extreme efficiency.

The programme was well constructed with plenty of information and colour and the finale of the whole piece was certainly a riot of colour with the whole cast wearing bright red kinky boots and moving very well in those high heels – even Mr Price!

Many congratulations are due to Director Gareth Brighton, Musical Director Oscar Smith and all who were responsible for bringing this lively show to the Royal Hippodrome Eastbourne. 

As Lola said, “Let love shine.  Let pride be your guide.  You change the world when you change your mind.”  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.   

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.