Based on a true story which became the basis for a successful film, Kinky Boots went on to become a hit stage musical which has now arrived at Leeds Grand Theatre as part of a nationwide tour. The show has toured previously, however this time around there is a new star taking the lead role – Johannes Radebe, the South African dancer and choreographer who rose to fame on Strictly Come Dancing.
There is always a danger when a big artist performs in a show that they could overshadow the storyline and other members of the cast; in Leeds, the emphasis thankfully centres on Kinky Boots starring Johannes Radebe and not vice versa. Naturally, his name on the credits has drawn a wider audience, curious to see if the Strictly star could add acting and singing to his already stellar list of achievements. Radebe achieves this with ease. Arriving on stage to a rapturous reception from his Yorkshire fans, there was never any question over whether this was to be an exceptionally entertaining evening. Radebe never puts a foot wrong as far as dramatic performance is concerned – though anyone expecting to see him showcase his dance moves might be disappointed
Life’s a drag
After inheriting the family shoe factory in Northampton that has belonged to four generations, Charlie Price (Dan Partridge) has plans of starting a new life in London with his fiancé, Nicola (Kara Lily Hayworth). These are thrown into disarray with the factory in the throes of being sold off and the risk of cheaper imports threatening the business. Charlie feels called to change course and to steer the factory back to profitability and save the jobs of the workers, some who have been employed there since they left school.
Charlie accidently comes across drag artist Lola (Radebe) whilst Lola is being accosted up by two thugs. A rapport develops between the two as Lola reveals that the heels on the boots she wears are always breaking due to being unable to support the weight of a man. With the job order sheet for the factory being blank, the opportunity to come to the rescue of Lola and her fellow drag queens by making (kinky) red boots with heels, this time made of steel, seems a natural conclusion.
Sparkle, sequins – and Strictly star power
With a show trade show in Milan on the horizon the team work at full steam to save the reputation of the factory – and to save the fortunes of Lola and her colleagues.
Led by a believable cast of characters which includes the chauvinistic Don (Joe Caffrey), the straight-talking George (Scott Paige) and Lauren (Courtney Bowman), who has a crush on Charlie, the storyline closely follows that of the 2005 film.
Whilst dealing with the issues of gender, acceptance, individuality, and hardship this uplifting and at times comedic show comes with a musical score written by Cyndi Lauper, composer of hits Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time. The big standout moment comes in the second half where Radebe raises goosebumps with a soulful version of Hold Me In Your Heart – think of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing and you would be on the right track. Even the cynical would be impressed with Radebe’s vocal prowess. Dan Partridge impresses equally with a heartfelt Soul of a Man, proving that the casting directors had made the perfect choice.
Never putting a foot wrong
Fans of the film will already be familiar with the ending in this fast paced and entertaining musical – for anyone else the conclusion is quite predictable although there are a few twists and turns along the way. On the night, the standing ovation was thoroughly deserved – a combination of good staging, direction and timing came together to result in a joyous night. Anyone craving a night of fun, sparkle and sequins would be loath to drag their heels and miss out of seeing this enjoyable show.
Leeds Grand Theatre – runs until Saturday 24 May.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
HELP US BECOME STRONGER SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER POWERFUL CITIZEN JOURNALISM!
