Kinky Boots, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review with pictures

Do believe the hype! This audacious show really does bring other contemporary musicals to heel and has scooped a string of awards including a Tony, Grammy and Laurence Olivier.

The cast of Kinky Boots put their hearts and soles into this fantastic production (too many shoe puns now???).

In short, Kinky Boots is a heart-warming but incredibly funny show which had the audience smiling throughout and rightly deserved the inevitable standing ovation it received.

Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the music and lyrics are written by none other than the girl-who-wants-to-have-fun singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper.

There is a definite nod to the distinctive Cyndi sound, and style, when Lauren (played by Coronation Street star Paula Lane) performs The History of Wrong Guys.

But the score covers a wide spectre from the sing-along, catchy tunes such as the triumphant Sex is in the Heel, Everybody Say Yeah and Raise You Up, to the beautiful ballads Not My Father’s Son and Hold Me In Your Heart. Both of these show the supreme vocal talent of Kayi Ushe who played Lola.

Based on a true story and a book by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots follows the fortunes of troubled shoe factory Charlie Price desperately trying to keep his late father’s firm afloat and protect his staff.

He is hit, literally, by an inspiration to fill a niche in the shoe/boot market when he meets the larger-than-life drag queen Lola. His quest to produce Lola’s Kinky Boots for men begins.

Joel Harper-Jackson plays a very likeable and endearing Charlie but the outrageous and dynamic character of Lola dominates the show.

Muscular enough to support claims of a boxing past, but more comfortable in high heels and sequins than any woman I know, Ushe was a very convincing and entertaining protagonist. Sassy, flashy and oh so classy – Lola was compelling viewing.

‘Live and let live’, tolerance and understanding are the not-so-disguised social messages running throughout the show as ‘real man’ Don (played by Demitri Lampra) has his preconceptions challenged. However, wrapped up in a series of comic confrontations, the message is lightly delivered and not ‘rammed home’.

Lola is flanked by her colourful ‘angels’ who demonstrate some impressive choreography – with an unrivalled ability to perform in killer stiletto heels.

If you like kick-ass comedy, toe-tapping tunes and a sole-searching storyline – and you haven’t had a humour bypass – then Kinky Boots is a shoo-in for a brilliant night out.

Runs at the Grand Theatre until Saturday October 27.