REVIEW | Kinky Boots UK Tour

Kinky Boots UK Tour
Birmingham Hippodrome

★★★★★

Proudly strutting its stuff on a UK tour is hit musical Kinky Boots and after watching it for myself, I witnessed why it has won every major Best Musical award. After 3 years and over 1,400 performances, it has waved goodbye to the West End as of January 2019 and now you really don't want to miss the musical that spreads a heartfelt message of love and acceptance. But not forgetting all of the glitter, glamour and sequins to nail a fantastic show. I'm kicking myself for not seeing it sooner!

A story based on true events, the worlds of two people collide in an unusual way and paves the way for an unforgettable journey.

Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his family business, a shoe factory that was passionately run by his late father. Charlie, however, doesn't have much interest in shoes and it's not long after the business falls into his hands that it begins to fall apart. Lola is an eye-catching entertainer with a thrilling idea. Add in some compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected duo learn to embrace one another's differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! But in the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship.

Filling the six-inch heel stilettos is Kayi Ushe as the undeniably gorgeous, Lola. Ushe is superb as he balances the loud and confident persona with the vulnerability of his real identity as Simon, a man who wasn't his father's son. As the drag queen, Ushe is fearless and has a commanding stage presence from the moment he steps on the stage. He becomes so much more than his fearless, striking character but an important figure for those people who are struggling to find themselves and accept who they are, even if society and loved ones don't. There are opportunities for us to see those prejudices ourselves in the story when Lola has to overcome the hardened men that work in the factory.

We really witness the vulnerable side in Not My Father's Son which gives us an insight into the struggle and emotional drive his alter ego carries with him. It really brought me to tears and I felt I was learning so much about Ushe's character in that singular song. Ushe has spectacularly rich vocals and a fantastic persona that oozes sexy and sass right to the fingertips.

Alongside Kayi Ushe as his work partner Charlie, the owner of Price and Sons is Joel Harper-Jackson. His character has an awful lot on his shoulders; not only does he have the responsibility of his families heritage but he is supposed to be moving to London to begin a new life with his girlfriend Nicola. He is stuck between being able to live up to his father's expectations and trying to keep his relationship afloat. Harper-Jackson plays a spectacular part at portraying the frustrations and the emotional struggles of trying to do everything he needs to in order to succeed. We really feel every part of this journey with him and we're rooting for him all of the way! There is a transformation from helpless to a more can-do attitude that is believable and moving.

Watch: Kinky Boots UK Tour Trailer

A chance meeting with Lola gives him an idea that will hopefully reignite the business and create a revolution in the shoe world, Kinky Boots. Harper-Jackson and Ushe collectively are a powerful team and share a touching relationship.

This production isn't just about Charlie and Lola but the ensemble altogether brings extraordinarily strong performances. Paula Lane gives a fantastic comedic performance as Lauren and Demitri Lampra is just as fantastic as the "manly" Don. Lampra's discovery of accepting people for who they are is a necessity to the storyline's themes and is portrayed beautifully. Kinky Boots is known for its astonishing Angels and the touring production doesn't miss the mark! They have a terrific vocal ability as well as a natural flare for executing the show's choreography in killer heels!

I was also blown away by the creative aspects of the show which truly shone, glittering as brightly as the costumes. The music and lyrics of Cyndi Lauper capture the story well and are catchy too - I haven't stopped listening to the soundtrack since watching the show!

Kinky Boots is a musical that will inspire, raise you higher and empower everybody to "Just Be". Although with an important lesson at the core - it's an all round feel-good musical that is full of fun too. I can assure you, you will be encouraging everyone you know to purchase tickets too! 

Kinky Boots is performing at Birmingham Hippodrome until 23 March 2019. You can also check it out on it's UK Tour at other venues until November 2019. Find out more here.