An absolute joyous celebration of acceptance and being yourself to a full house in the beautiful Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Charlie Price (played by Joel Harper-Jackson) has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of the fabulous entertainer Lola (Cedric Neal), and together they work out what is best for both of them.
Returning to the West End for the first time since 2019, Kinky Boots is the exhilarating true story about a struggling shoe factory that will lift you higher than any platform boots! Winner of six TONY awards and the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2016, Kinky Boots features a joyous score by Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious, uplifting book by Harvey Fierstein.
As part of its series of Summer Concerts, a performance of Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert came to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for two nights only, with Cedric Neal (Back To The Future, Motown), Joel Harper-Jackson (COCK, Kinky Boots UK Tour), and Courtney Bowman (Six, Legally Blonde) bringing the music alive with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. The concert was a soaring celebration of acceptance.
One of the beautiful things about a musical concert over a full show is that there’s no hiding – the book, score, and performances are at the forefront, and in the case of Kinky Boots, we were not left wanting! There is also a joy in having the orchestra, beautifully led by Freddie Tapner, on stage in full view with accompanying choir The London Musical Theatre Chorus. Kinky Boots went that step further bringing in dance, costume, and lighting reminiscent of the greatest pop divas for Lola and the Angels.
Lauper’s influence is clear throughout the score, chords reminiscent of her top hits. It’s a sexy, sweet, and strong show that questions legacy, masculinity, and what it means to have a kinky revolution!
Neal captivated as Lola/Simon, earning a standing ovation for ‘Hold Me in Your Heart’ – audience members were visibly wiping away tears. Harper-Jackson’s voice as Charlie was rich and technically brilliant with delightful characterisation, allowing us to move through his journey to confidence through his vocals. Bowman brought the energy, vocals, and performance we have come to know and love from her – an absolute delight. The Angels brought fierce energy to each song they performed. The particular standout was Ashley Samuels as Referee Angel, whose softness and elegance draped a power house voice not to be forgotten.
Obviously, this is Kinky Boots, so we need some serious footwear! The fabulous boots, provided by D and S Costumes ltd, make a glorious entrance towards the end of Act Two on the Angels, Neal, Haper-Jackson and, delightfully, Tapner (Musical Director) leaving all of us wondering where we could get a pair!
A fabulous evening was had by all!
{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}
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