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Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in Kinky Boots
Johannes Radebe and Dan Partridge in Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots the musical with Johannes Radebe: Review

Home » Reviews » Kinky Boots the musical with Johannes Radebe: Review

Thigh-high, screaming red heels that dazzle as they shine – these boots weren’t made for walking, but they sure know how to get an audience on its feet.

These aren’t just any boots, they are, as Drag Queen, Lola cheekily describes them: ‘Two-and-a-half feet of tubular sex’.

And if that wasn’t enough weight for them to carry, these fine pieces of patent leather have the added task of saving a whole factory of shoemakers from closure.

Inspired by the true story of an ailing shoe factory in Northampton and the 2005 film of the same name, this feelgood musical has already won a string of awards, including best musical at London’s Olivier Awards and the Tony Awards in America.

More than a decade on from its first staging, this new production from Leicester Curve keeps all the sass of the original while cranking up the grit of Midlands factory life, to bring us a big, bold production that is both funny and touching.

L-R Cyndi Lauper, Dan Partridge, Johannes Radebe and Courtney Bowman. Pic copyright Phil Tragen
L-R Cyndi Lauper, Dan Partridge, Johannes Radebe and Courtney Bowman. Pic copyright Phil Tragen

Robert Jones imposing, multi-layered set fills the stage with the hard brick and iron of the factory. In the centre is a steel frame that transforms at the switch of a lightbulb from factory floor to drag club stage, keeping scene changes almost film-like quick.

However, while director Nikolai Foster keeps Harvey Fierstein’s witty book, fast-paced at the same time he gives the characters chance to breathe, so that they become more than just the factory production line, and we end up rooting for each one of them.

Strictly dancing pro, Johannes Radebe, is no stranger to the spotlight and he uses this star quality to make an impactful acting debut in the central role of Lola. Dan Partridge brings a great rock voice to factory owner, Charlie, as well as a sparky on-stage relationship with Radebe. Courtney Bowman too brings a big stage presence, with her strong vocals and skilled comedy timing as factory girl, Lauren.

Cyndi Lauper at the opening night of Kinky Boots at the Palace Theatre, Manchester Pic copyright Phil Tragen
Cyndi Lauper at the opening night of Kinky Boots at the Palace Theatre, Manchester Pic copyright Phil Tragen

Cyndi Lauper’s energetic pop and rock score gives the story a mood-raising lift that pulls everyone along. The star, who is in Manchester to perform her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun tour at Co-op Live on Sunday, surprised the audience by joining the cast on stage for the curtain call. This was her first time seeing this new production and it was clear everyone on stage was giving it their all. So, did she approve? “It was so moving,” she said, “and you guys have much heart – you killed it.”

Kinky Boots is at The Palace Theatre, Manchester from 4-8 February 2025 before continuing on tour.

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Written by
Carmel Thomason
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Avatar photo Written by Carmel Thomason