Kinky Boots is a joyous 2.5 hours of powerful theatre. The energy in the room during my visit to Birmingham Hippodrome tonight was infectious & overwhelming.
Kinky Boots originated on Broadway and quite rightly began it’s UK tour in Northampton where the show is set.
It’s the heart-warming story of a shoemaker who is about to loose everything until he thinks outside of the shoebox!
With high camp and big heart – this show is a fun and moving night of theatre.
BOOK TICKETS HERE! It continues in Birmingham until March 23rd.
Enjoy our exclusive audio / video review via YouTube:
This show is camp, OTT, flamboyant, moving and has a message of acceptance and hope perfect for 2019. It’s cheeky but not vulgar – a masterful balance.
This isn’t my favourite musical, or indeed the strongest show to tour the UK, however, this production is technically flawless and little has been lost from its scale in the West End.
With a mostly forgettable score by Cyndi Lauper, there’s two outstanding killer moments worth the ticket price alone…
Joel Harper-Jackson drives the show as Charlie. He particularly shone in Act 2. This isn’t a ‘show off’ role really, on the contrary it’s a proper acting part where you have to find true heart and deliver the narrative with clarity and conviction. He does this brilliantly.
Meanwhile the role of Lola steals the show with inspiring force, big personality and moves and whopping laughs!
Kayi Ushe is the real deal. His versions of ‘Hold me in your heart’ & ‘I’m not my fathers son’ are EPIC! This guy is a star. What presence, what timing – what a voice & delivery!
He is truly breathtaking and offers one of the best versions of these songs that I’ve EVER heard – on tour, in London or on Broadway! Quite sensational.
His performance is worth the ticket price alone.
His performance and his two 11 o’clock numbers take this musical from an average night out to a world class & memorable theatrical event. Congrats to Kayi – pure talent.
Nods also to Paula Lane who gives it her all, the gorgeous Helen Ternent and Demitri Lampra who is the perfect lovably ‘bady’.
Here’s Cyndi Lauper getting her standing ovation on opening night in London…
The set is relatively simple and uninspiring but is saved by some sensational lighting, hugely creative stage management and of course the OTT costumes in places.
At a time there’s a tone of classless cheap crap on the road, this show offers a hugely impressive and polished (big) cast.
This is an emotional show that becomes a rock concert at times.
Kinky Boots has some truly beautiful moments. The end of act one is a work of theatrical genius, not to mention a health and safety nightmare!
Imagine 4 moving treadmills and 20 actors all going in different directions at the same time – exciting and thrilling to watch. Bravo!
I’ve rarely felt such a ‘community’ feel in a theatre. EVERYONE was on the same page – young and old tonight. Inspiring.
There’s no doubt that this company match, if not beat, the West End cast.
Review by Alex Belfield for Celebrity Radio 12th March 2019.
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