Last night, I spent a couple of hours in shoe heaven watching my all-time favourite show. The new Kinky Boots Uk Tour at the Palace Theatre Manchester.
Anything that tells you repeatedly that shoes are the most beautiful thing in the world has got to be great. And who would buy shoes when they can purchase 2 1/2 feet of irresistible tubular sex?
What You Will Find Here
The Kinky Boots UK Tour at The Palace Theatre Manchester
Kinky Boots is a musical with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. It is based on the 2005 British film of the same name, which was inspired by a true story.
In October 2012, Kinky Boots had its world premiere at the Bank of America Theatre in Chicago. Before making its Broadway debut at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in April 2013.
It dominated the 2013 Tony Awards, with 13 nominations and winning six. The show opened in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre in 2015, where it won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2016.
What Is Kinky Boots About
Kinky Boots follows the story of Charlie Price (Dan Partridge) and how he turned around the fortunes of his dad’s beloved shoe factory, ‘Price And Sons’ by putting its fate in the hands of Lola (Johannes Radebe), a drag queen who he encounters on a night out in London.Â
The show sensitively portrays how prejudice can cloud peoples lives and judgments. And how failing to be open and accept others for who they are presents so many lost opportunities in life. But also highlights no matter how confident a person is, we all have our own demons to fight.
Charlie and Lola may have had similar beginnings, but their journeys take them in very different directions. Both are searching for identity and acceptance, yet when their paths cross, their differences seem insurmountable. However, as their stories unfold, it becomes clear that they have more in common than they are willing to admit.
Their friendship marks the start of a journey of self-discovery for them both, one that challenges those around them to see beyond prejudice and embrace people for who they truly are. In doing so, it fosters diversity and gives rise to unexpected, beautiful friendships.
My Review of Kinky Boots
I stand by the sentiment that this is the best show ever. The pace of Kinky Boots is fast and exciting. Lola’s arrival on stage is explosive; the cast and characters are incredible, engaging and believable; you arrive at the interval wanting to be Lola’s best friend and tell Charlie it will all be ok.
There have been tweaks with the set in this new version, but all to make it more fabulous. The set works so well and moves with ease throughout the story. Johannes Radebe was born to be Lola, bringing an extra level of magic to Lola.
The score has you either wanting to jump up and dance along or sitting with your mouth wide open at the sheer beauty and skill with which the big numbers are delivered. Lola has a chemistry with Charlie that delivers Kinky Boots to a new and faithful audience and makes it feel like you are watching it for the first time. Despite it being my 4th time watching, it felt like I fell in love with my favourite show all over again.
The standing ovation was immediate and lasted for the whole finale. And when the queen that is Cyndi Lauper made her entrance onto the stage, a one-off granted, it felt like the cherry on already the best cake ever. The atmosphere was electric, and if I could, I would do it all again tonight. We could all learn a lot from Lola!
Where Can I See Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots is at the Palace Theatre Manchester until the 8th of February, with tickets from £38.00, don’t miss it. Then at…..
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 11 Feb – Sat 15 Feb 2025
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 18 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 2025
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 11 Mar – Sat 15 Mar 2025
- Theatre Royal Brighton, Tue 25 Mar – Sat 29 Mar 2025
- Stockton Globe, Tue 29 Apr – Sat 3 May 2025
- Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 13 May – Sat 17 May 2025
- Liverpool Empire, Tue 8 Jul – Sat 12 Jul 2025
- New Theatre Oxford, Tue 22 Jul – Sat 26 Jul 2025
Please note I was gifted the tickets in return for an honest review; see more theatre reviews here. And here’s where to park nearest the Palace Theatre Manchester.
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