Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots - The audience at the Pavilion Theatre in Worthing was full of enthusiasm, applauding and cheering throughout this performance of “Kinky Boots.” The crowd enjoyed the characters, dialogue, and songs as they followed the journey of Charlie Price and his struggling shoe factory in Northampton, which eventually rises to success. Harvey Fierstein’s story, combined with Cyndi Lauper’s brilliant musical talents, transforms this straightforward narrative into a tale of inclusivity and equality. Lauper’s imaginative and varied music, along with Fierstein’s writing, has made this twelve-year-old musical a hit at many venues worldwide.

Saxona Lacey’s direction very effectively showcased the factory workers’ daily routines, with plenty of ensemble singing and various mini-scenes, from a care home lounge to a cabaret stage, in addition to the main factory setting. Rachel Davis’s choreography was varied and entertaining especially in the ensemble numbers and particularly the performance of the six dancing and singing angels.  The set supported the actors in their portrayal of the factory and the scene changes and lighting were both executed smoothly,

The musical director very cleverly led a team of 10 musicians who maintained a good balance of dialogue and music particularly during the underscoring sections of the first act.  The solo songs were well performed and the ensemble singing complemented the principals well.

The performances, in both dialogue and song, of the two main characters, factory owner Charlie Price (played by Luke Martin) and Lola/Simon (played by Jamie Wilson), were impressive, particularly their solos and duet.  They were ably supported by Charlie’s fiancée, Nicola, and his new girlfriend, Lauren (played by Ellie Joice and Lauren Ayling), who both maintained their characterisations throughout;  along with several factory workers.  Notable performances include that of chauvinist Don (Phil Davis) and the foreman George (Jonathan Stamp).  Equally impressive were the two young actors playing the roles of young Charlie and Lola/Simon (Seth Anderson and William Barber).

This was a highly entertaining production which brought back memories of those days.

Congratulations to everyone involve - on stage, backstage, the musicians, and the production team - for delivering a delightful evening of fun and enjoyment.  The audience certainly appreciated the emotion the characters evoked and showed their appreciation for the performance with the standing ovation.

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