REVIEW | 6 reasons NOT to miss the Kinky Boots UK Tour.
Kinky Boots UK Tour
Theatre Royal, Nottingham
★★★★★
Proudly strutting in six inch heels 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 available. I went to see it for the second time during it's UK Tour and I definitely think it's my favourite musical of the year. For a review with a difference like Lola's 6 Steps to Success in the show I wanted to share
6 reasons why you need to book tickets for the Kinky Boots UK Tour (before it's too late!).
1. It has an outstanding reputation.
It first performed in Broadway before making it's way here in the UK. It performed over 1,400 times in the West End for a duration of 3 years before closing in January 2019. In 2013 alone it was nominated 13 times in the Tony Awards and won six. Some of the award won by Kinky Boots include an Evening Standard award for Best Musical, 3 WhatsOnStage awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and Best Choreography. It also won 3 awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical and Best Costume Design.
2. It's story is based on true events.
A story based on the true story of Steve Pateman's shoe factory and the show is adapted from the 2005 film of the same name. The musical follows Charlie Price, who inherits his father's show-making business and faces critical financial straits, only to be helped from an unexpected quarter and six inches of it. Plus the entire story is set in the small town of Northampton.
Kinky Boots is a fabulous story of how the worlds of two people collide in an unusual way and paves the way for an unforgettable journey that changes both of their destinies.
3. Cyndi Lauper really brings the house down with the tunes.
There are some absolute stellar numbers in the Kinky Boots soundtrack, "Land of Lola", "The Soul of a Man" and "Not My Fathers Son" are my personal favorites. The music was penned by pop legend Cyndi Lauper, who actually won a Grammy for it! I downloaded the soundtrack after I first saw the musical and you'll be listening to it for weeks. It's definitely well crafted to suit the musical's tone and energy.
4. The UK Tour casting is oustanding!
You'll be completely floored by the endless talent that oozes from the UK Tour cast in this production. They bring a shoe-factory in Northampton to life! Kayi Ushe nails it as the soul diva with winning ways. Although Ushe carries every bit of punch and spirited characteristics Lola has he also captures the vulnerability of someone who didn't live up to the expectations of his father's dreams. Joel Harper-Jackson is great as Charlie Price. He has outstanding vocals and definitely portrays the frustration and pressure of taking on the shoe-making business. He brings the house down with his rendition of "The Soul of a Man". Paula Lane provides an exceptional flavor of humour with "The History of Wrong Guys" that is well received within the story and from the audience.
You won't be able to keep your eyes off the stunning Lola's Angels, played by Connor Collins, John J.Dempsey, Damon Gould, Joshua Lovell, Chileshe Mondelle and Toyan Thomas-Browne. They bring the house down night after night with their natural strength and poise in sensational performances as drag queens.
The entire ensemble look like they're having an absolute blast with this production and it oozes from the stage!
5. The musical packs in lots of important messages.
You won't be able to keep your eyes off the stunning Lola's Angels, played by Connor Collins, John J.Dempsey, Damon Gould, Joshua Lovell, Chileshe Mondelle and Toyan Thomas-Browne. They bring the house down night after night with their natural strength and poise in sensational performances as drag queens.
The entire ensemble look like they're having an absolute blast with this production and it oozes from the stage!
5. The musical packs in lots of important messages.
If you're looking for a musical with important messages; Kinky Boots has it. The musical touches on a number of relevant issues, including changes in the economy and the increasing visibility of queer people. It gives the audience a nonthreatening way of looking at alternatives to discussing drag queens. It explores letting people be whoever they want to be - just be! As an audience member you need to leave your expectations at the door and consider your own view of gender and sexuality. It's a fabulous musical!
6. It's the perfect time to see it.
You really don't want to miss the musical, especially now it's only available during it's UK Tour. It's currently at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until 8 June. The red boots will be hung back up in November so make sure you book your tickets at a theatre near you, find out more here.
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 Theatre Royal, Nottingham until 8 June. You can also check it out on it's UK Tour at other venues until November 2019. Find out more here.