Kinky Boots Returns to London with a Joyous Production
The Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Kinky Boots makes a triumphant return to London, strutting into the London Coliseum with infectious energy and vibrant spectacle. This first British production, directed by Nikolai Foster of Leicester's Curve Theatre, where it debuted last year, brings Harvey Fierstein's Northampton-set drag queen story to life with renewed vigor.
A Story of Redemption and Fabulous Footwear
Charlie Price, played by Matt Cardle, reluctantly inherits his deceased father's struggling shoe factory in Northampton, facing imminent closure due to dwindling sales. A chance encounter with drag performer Lola, portrayed by Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe, sparks an innovative idea. Together, they aim to save the factory by producing durable, high-heeled boots for drag queens, transforming brogues into breathtaking footwear.
Fierstein's script powerfully explores the connection between two seemingly different individuals, both grappling with paternal expectations and finding their place in the world. Cyndi Lauper's music complements this narrative with heartfelt duets like 'I'm Not My Father's Son', targeting emotional resonance directly.
Staging and Performance Highlights
Nikolai Foster's direction is visually stunning, cutting through Robert Jones's industrial set design—featuring production lines of shoes and sewing machines—with vivid red splashes whenever Lola's cabaret troupe, the Angels, appear. Ben Cracknell's lighting provides a radiant glow-up, while Leah Hill's choreography is playfully breathless, adding to the show's exuberant swagger.
The production's not-so-secret weapon is Johannes Radebe, making a splendid stage debut as Lola. Radebe is a tornado of charisma, burning up the choreography and turning the stage into a runway. His performance is operatic in pitch and disco-fabulous in tone, wearing Robert Jones and Tom Rogers's glittering costumes with unparalleled flair.
Supporting Cast and Contemporary Relevance
While Matt Cardle's performance as Charlie is somewhat stiff and hesitant, lacking emotional depth outside musical numbers, the production is buoyed by strong supporting performances. Scott Paige shines as factory foreman George, relishing his character's wilder side, and Courtney Bowman brings endearing gawkiness and a powerful voice to Lauren, Charlie's schoolfriend.
The Angels, conceived as a fierce Greek Chorus of drag queens, are vividly and wittily drawn, enhancing the narrative's emotional weight. In today's political and social climate, the musical's message of acceptance gains sharper relevance, joyfully subverting the 'keep business local' trope by manufacturing boots for drag queens.
Practical Details
Venue: London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES
Transport: Tube: Charing Cross
Price: £28.75-£238.75
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Dates: From 1 April 2026 to 9 April 2026, with multiple showtimes including matinees and evening performances.
This production of Kinky Boots is a blaze of colour and joy, offering a much-needed escape into a world of acceptance and fabulous footwear, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
