Kinky Boots
This musical is as vibrant as that red pair of boots on the poster, bursting with song, comedy, and an insanely enthusiastic cast, Kinky Boots is also a story of friendship, loyalty, struggle, and self-acceptance. Brought to life on stage by the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society, presented in arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Based on the film released in 2005, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth, Kinky Boots was adapted by Jerry Mitchell to become an original Broadway production; bringing enough glamour and glitter to fill your boots. The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Kinky Boots features a joyous musical number by Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein.
Telling the true story of Steve Patemen, portrayed through character Charlie Price, played by Dominic Sands, a struggling shoe factory owner in Northampton, unsure on how he will save his family-owned business from being shut down. Forming an unlikely friendship and even more unlikely business partnership with Lola, played by Akeem Ellis-Hyman, a London drag queen with more than just a pretty face, but a pretty amazing plan. To bring success to his newly inherited business, to begin producing custom footwear for drag queens, as opposed to the traditional men’s shoes it has once been renounced for.
This musical is as vibrant as that red pair of boots on the poster, bursting with song, comedy, and an insanely enthusiastic cast, Kinky Boots is also a story of friendship, loyalty, struggle, and self-acceptance. Brought to life on stage by the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society, presented in arrangement with Music Theatre International.
The cast filtered onto the show factory set stage in rounds, setting the scene of Charlie as a young boy and his father speaking to him about his future role, spinning into his adulthood with this important responsibly. Opening with the ‘Price and Sons Theme’ song and seamlessly transitioning into ‘The Most Beautiful Thing in the World’, referring to shoes of course and I must say I agree.
Lola and the six Angels at the London drag club
The enriching drag culture explored in the show was so fun, with energetic and sparkling performances from lead Lola and her six glamorous angels, all bringing grace and individuality to their scenes. Capturing the real essence of how drag can make you feel, a new lease of confidence when in the right attire of leotards, corsets, a floating dress, and most importantly a pair of stiletto boots. The costume design for Lola and the angels was beautiful throughout the entire performance, increasingly becoming more unique and adventurous.
Lauren singing her solo in the Factory uniform
The first performance that really stood out for me was Lauren’s solo, played by Emmie Wright, as she discovers a newfound crush on Boss Charlie, which encouraged a comedic episode of relatable workplace infatuation. Singing, ‘The History of Wrong Guys’, she had the whole audience radiating laughter with her comedic timing and delivery, but on top of that, an incredible voice and completely encapsulating solo! A definite favourite part of the evening for myself and the applause from the audience would suggest the same for them too.
Charlie and Simon during their duet
Another part of the show that I thought was very special was the duet between Charlie and Lola, singing I am not my father’s son’, although this time Lola was going by their given name of Simon, from Clacton. Singing between cubicles, this duet was incredibly touching by telling the stories of their relationships with their parents, the hardships, and expectations from such a young age. Simon began this as a solo, his beautiful vocals doing justice for this emotional song, Charlie joining to finish as a duet, their voices paired incredibly to bring the song to a gentle close.
Young Charlie and his father Mr Price
Kinky boots is about so much more than just a story of an unorthodox friendship and thinking outside of the box to save a business, but it deliverers so many messages to a range of communities. Inclusivity is such an important theme, the battle that people face who don’t fit into society’s ‘norms’, having to suffer judgement from strangers, friends and even family too. Lola represented a strong woman who experienced alienation in her life, but also the feeling of belonging with her angels in the drag club and the desire to be herself regardless of what others may say or think. Akeem’s incredible performance of Lola and Simon was empowering and inspiring.
Simon and the six angels dancing with the factory workers
I personally love a musical and am always open to seeing a show, despite not being familiar with the storyline of Kinky boots, it exceeded my expectations of being so uplifting, entertaining, and touching in so many ways. A lively audience made the opening night of Kinky Boots even better, with such a positive and fun atmosphere, ready to join in with any given opportunity! Ending the night with a more than earnt standing ovation, it was clear how much this meant to the cast, as they had proud smiles and some welling up.
So ‘ladies and gentlemen, and those who are yet to make up your minds’, I cannot recommend watching Kinky Boots enough! With the exclusive 5 nights at Norwich Theatre and now limited tickets left, book now to enjoy an evening full of music, humour, and higher spirits than most of the heels on stage.
https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/kinky-boots/
