Kinky Boots

Few musicals bring as much energy, heart, and fabulous footwear to the stage as Kinky Boots. With its uplifting message, catchy score by Cyndi Lauper, and a story about acceptance and self-expression, it’s a show that thrives on bold performances and strong character dynamics.

Vocally, the cast was on point. In the role of Charlie, Thomas Ledsham conveyed Charlie`s emotional journey well, and his solos carried the weight of his inner conflict, especially in the earlier scenes with his partner Nicola played adroitly by Sarah Hicks.

The role of Lola is the beating heart of Kinky Boots, a character who needs to embody both fierce confidence and deep vulnerability. Samuel Wicks interpretation leaned more towards a Tim Curryesque portrayal rather than the larger-than-life drag queen energy that typically defined Lola- this in itself was an interesting take on the role, even if the different personas between Simon and Lola weren`t so clearly defined.

This said, the audience loved him- Samuel gave the role his all, showing off his impressive vocal ability and packing an emotional punch in his numbers like Hold Me in Your Heart.

Amy Lawton as Lauren, the outspoken factory girl who happens to have a crush on Charlie (Spoiler alert- they end up together) provided great comic relief, with impeccable timing and a great rendition of The History of Wrong Guys.

James Shields played Don- the strong, confident, ultra- masculine factory worker who feels threatened when Lola, his soon to be nemesis turns up on the scene. This was quite the departure for James, who played the role with commitment- though not every role requires the `knowing glance/asides` with the audience, as it detracted somewhat from the character being portrayed.

The Angels, as always, brought the glitz and glamour, giving the show a much-needed shot of drag energy.

From the very first beats of The Most Beautiful Thing in the World, it was clear that this was going to be a lively and well-rehearsed production. 

The cast delivered strong vocals throughout, with standout numbers like Everybody Say Yeah bringing an infectious energy that had the audience tapping along. 

The ensemble was particularly well-drilled, bringing the factory floor to life with enthusiasm and sharp choreography.

The staging made excellent use of the Lancaster Grand’s space, with smooth scene transitions and creative lighting that kept the show visually engaging. Whether we were in Price & Son’s struggling factory or the dazzling catwalk of Milan, the production design effectively set the mood without overshadowing the performances.

 

Musical Director, Angela Potter had obviously worked the cast hard, with everyone impressing vocally.

Sharon Bell as Director and Choreographer (aided by Lucy Bunce) provided us with a slick, well rehearsed and tight production, and should be proud of what the society achieved.

The production remained an uplifting and entertaining experience. The cast’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the show’s core message—accepting yourself and others—still shone through. The rousing finale had the audience on their feet, proving that Kinky Boots has an undeniable ability to leave people smiling.

 

Thank you, Morecambe Warblers, for your hospitality and invitation.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.