Kinky Boots

Ladies, Gentleman, and those that have yet to make up their mind, you should be clambering to see Beverley Musical Theatres ‘KINKY BOOTS’. Saying that, by the looks of it everyone has. The buzz of anticipation when walking in to Hull Truck Theatre's foyer was palpable and when sat in the audience it was extremely close to being a full house of excited chatter. The energy of the audience however was nothing compared to the energy of the cast that was unstoppable. Literally!

Unfortunately, in this particular performance there was a significant malfunction with the sound equipment, meaning that the show had to stop for a brief period, but this did not phase any of the talented cast on the stage. If it wasn’t for the noise created and the tech staff of Hull Truck Theatre running around and shouting, you wouldn’t even know there was an issue. The show literally carried on regardless, with the cast raising their own volume and carrying on with the good old mantra of ‘the show must go on’. If anyone wants to learn about true professionalism, look no further than this group. The cast bounced back after this episode and raised the roof with their continued infectious enthusiasm.

Ian Start, who directed the show, has done a fabulous job of creating this show and has shaped the cast into filling their roles with great ease. The delightful performance given by the two young actors playing Young Charlie (James Guest) and Young Simon (Henry Kell) was spot on and really fit in with their adult counterpart’s. Tim Drage as Harry delivered a wonderful vocal performance with the well know song ‘Take What You Got’. Jade Easom-Samuels as Nicola was a powerhouse, and I don’t think I’d want to cross her. The comedy timings given by Neville Slater as George was great and was the reason behind many of the giggles that spread round the room. Trish played by Rebecca Kingston and Pat played by Claire Cooper were played as great opposites and these ladies constantly kept their mannerisms up even when the scene wasn’t focused on them. Mike Well who played Don was perfectly cast, in a nice way. I’m not sure how you can like a character whose meant be disliked but his Don was that good the audience did. Georgia Kingston as Lauren was hilarious. Her song ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ simply stole the show. Everything about it was perfect and her facial expressions throughout the show were perfect. The angels played by Josh Murraybutler, Mark Gillyon, Stanley Brown and Richard McDonald had so much sass and vibrancy that each owned the stage in their own way.

Now to the two main men. Martin Payne as Charlie and Adam Sperring as Lola were a dynamite pairing. It is impossible to say who was better. Both Lolas song ‘Not my father’s son’ and Charlies ‘Soul of a Man’ were both so heartwarming, I had goosebumps on my arms during both. Both these actors led the cast with such grace and poise and really were excellent role models for anyone there to show how perseverance, practice and passion pays off.

I do wish I had been to see the show at an earlier performance as then I could have come back and watched it again. I hope that the production team and cast are exceedingly proud of the show they have produced and continue to dazzle the audience with their professionalism and energetic performances. They deserve any and all standing ovations and accolades they receive.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.