Kinky Boots The Musical at London Coliseum Review
Johannes Radebe as Lola in Kinky Boots the Musical. Photo by Matt Crockett.
Written by Emmie and Penny for Theatre and Tonic.
Disclaimer: Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review. All views are our own
For the first time since its 2019 closure at the Adelphi Theatre, Kinky Boots The Musical returns in a bold new non-replica production at the London Coliseum. Making its London debut after a sell-out tour across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, the show arrives packed with the high-octane energy audiences love.
Nikolai Foster directs the musical, loosely based on the 2005 film. The book by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein and infectious score by Cyndi Lauper have resulted in a show known for its dazzling celebration of identity and acceptance. However, the question is whether this beloved musical can still lift audiences during its limited run in the expansive space of the Coliseum this Spring/Summer.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe delivers a Lola brimming with charisma. Entirely at ease on the vast Coliseum stage, he commands the space with confidence, feeding off the audience’s energy and infusing the role with the distinctive, flamboyant style so familiar to viewers of the BBC show. He’s at his best leading his Angels in the big dance numbers, and whilst you can see his relative inexperience as an actor and singer, he easily holds his own against more seasoned West End performers. Notably, the big Act Two solo, “Hold Me In Your Heart” is delivered with heart and soul. His perception of Lola feels very personal and intimate, particularly in this moment.
LtoR Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, Johannes Radebe as Lola & the cast of Kinky Boots the Musical. Photo by Matt Crockett
As Charlie Price, Matt Cardle has perhaps the most challenging role in the show. Charlie struggles to live up to the expectations of his father, his fiancee, and the factory friends he’s known all his life. Cardle is not immediately convincing as this conflicted young man, and his portrayal doesn’t fully communicate the character’s fears and frustrations as effectively as it could. There were times when his confidence clearly progressed through the performance which led to a much stronger delivery during the second act and a brilliant rendition of “Soul of a Man”.
The supporting cast ooze talent, with a tight-knit ensemble who give us distinct characters and powerful vocals. Courtney Bowman shines as Lauren, she fizzes with pitch perfect comic flair and her rendition of “The History of Wrong Guys” is a full-bodied riot. Bowman does so with a perfect balance of physical comedy and her vocal ability blew the roof of the London Coliseum. There’s also Scott Paige who is an understated delight as George. He delivers some of the show’s biggest laughs of the night with effortless ease. It’s an actual crime that this duo are so badly underwritten in the show overall.
The cast of Kinky Boots. Photo by Matt Crockett
Courtney Bowman as Lauren in Kinky Boots the Musical. Photo by Matt Crockett
Jessica Daly brings a great presence to the feisty factory worker, whilst Billy Roberts’ Ron confidently takes on the macho stereotype with an important journey of his own.
Then there’s the Angels. Played by an almighty ensemble consisting of Keith Alexander, Nay-Nay, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Nathan Daly, Kofi Dennis, Ru Fisher, Liam McEvoy, Darnell Matthew-James and Ashley-Jordan Packer, they are bold, brilliant, and bursting with personality. The only drawback comes with their introduction in “Land of Lola,” which feels surprisingly lacklustre, largely due to the costume choices. It’s a moment that ought to make them instantly stand out, yet the impact is oddly muted.
Audiences will arrive with fond memories of the Olivier Award-winning run at the Adelphi Theatre, and while that same infectious Kinky Boots energy is very much intact, there are some noticeable shifts in tone. Nikolai Foster leans into the show’s more human side, introducing Young Charlie and Young Lola to deepen the emotional resonance and give greater insight into the characters’ journeys. And whilst the conveyor belts are locked away, Ben Cracknell’s lighting design, Robert Jones’ set design and Leah Hill’s choreography work in harmony to fill the largest theatre with joy this Spring.
In a world when the LGBTQ+ community is feeling more exposed and marginalised, Kinky Boots the Musical is just the tonic society desperately needs. It’s a joyful celebration of inclusivity and acceptance with tight harmonies, fierce choreography and killer heels all round.
Plays until 11 July 2026
★★★★
