Book: Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics: Cyndi Lauper
Director and Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
After four successful years in London, Kinky Boots has launched its first UK tour which premiered where else other than the town it was based in, Northhampton. Now in its second city, it’s time to strut in Wolverhampton.
Although it was made for Broadway, it’s a very British musical charting the troubles of Charlie Price (Joel Harper-Jackson) a young lad from Northampton trying to find his place in the world when he is thrown into running his father’s failing businesses. By chance, he meets Lola (Kayi Ushe) who teaches him a thing or two about shoes, love and bravery.
Harper-Jackon’s Charlie is full of charisma and depth. A likeable yet at times dislikeable character whose determination to succeed is infectious. His performance of Soul of a Man was genuine and incredibly powerful.
However, it is Ushe’s Lola that is the stand out performance of the show. Ushe is cast as stand-in for the role but the audience who do manage to see him will see an exceptional performer. He’s full of confidence but at the same time offers a clear juxtaposition when he’s out of Lola’s wardrobe and tries to fit in. Every solo performance was full of emotion and conviction. He’s a perfect fit.
The set by David Rockwell oozes with detail. Scenes morph into each other to help the pace remain super slick while also clearly setting the scene from the factory floor to the Milan fashion show catwalk.
The musical numbers are sublime. A mixture of ballads, company numbers and duets. Each one enhancing the performance while being great as stand-alone catchy song that concludes with an upbeat finale sending you home proud and full of optimism.
Kinky Boots contains a relatable and relevant story complete with uplifting musical numbers and a remarkably talented cast. This is a huge production full of sass, charm and charisma that will lead you wanting more. No matter the mood you go in with, you almost certainly will leave with a smile.
*Decision based on a ticket price of £20+£3 Booking Fee. For more info on this new value for money rating please visit here: Introducing a new kind of rating
The Theatre Twittic 
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