Spirits as high as the boots!

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If you’re looking for a show brimming with energy, heart, and enough sparkle to light up a room, Kinky Boots is the answer. It’s no surprise that this feel-good, fabulous production is selling out night after night—this is exactly the kind of joy we all need right now.  

I am so ecstatic that theatre season has started back up again. January always feels drab without theatre to bring the sparkle and the dazzle, and what better show to kick it off with than the one that has enough glitter and love to go around.

I’m going to get straight in starting with Courtney Bowman, who is an absolute spotlight stealer as Lauren. Phenomenal doesn’t even begin to cover it. Her comedic facial expressions are perfection, and her performance of “The History of Wrong Guys” is a show highlight, packed with incredible vocals and just the right mix of awkward charm and hilarity. Bowman is a true star who commands the stage every moment she’s on it.  

The entire cast brings their A-game, with Dan Partridge delivering a standout performance as Charlie. His journey from hesitant factory heir to confident dreamer is perfectly pitched, and his voice soars through those powerful, heartfelt numbers. Johannes Radebe as Lola is magic—bringing the fabulous drag queen to life with charisma, wit, and, as expected, insane dance moves. The choreography has been tailored to showcase Radebe’s incredible talents, with extra flairs and flourishes that make Lola’s performances unforgettable, so kudos to Leah Hill for ensuring his talents are not wasted.  

Joe Caffrey also deserves a shoutout for his portrayal of Don. His delivery of the “local bloke with old school values” was strong and utterly believable, making his character arc all the more satisfying. Watching Don grow from a narrow-minded skeptic to someone embracing acceptance and change was a real pleasure, and Caffrey handled the journey with both grit and warmth.

The energy of the show is infectious, and the bounce in every scene ensures that the audience feels lighter on their feet by the end. Whether it’s the high-octane opening scenes or the empowering serotonin boosting final number, Kinky Boots lifts you up and leaves you with a big grin on your face.

Regulars to Curve will be familiar with an industrial and quirky style set in Made at Curve productions, so this one really excels and shines as a brilliant example of class set design. An industrial style backdrops sets the scene for the production which transforms from factory floor to Lola’s club without a hitch. We are later treated to a fashion runway which comes styled with Anna Wintour’s lookalike. This scene is so immersive it had me wondering if we’d paused the show to watch an actual runway initially!

It’s a show that radiates positivity, celebrating individuality and kindness in a way that feels more important than ever. With its incredible cast, slick design, and boundless energy, Kinky Boots is a guaranteed hit. It’s no surprise it’s selling out—this is theatre at its most uplifting. Make sure you grab a ticket (if you can) and if you’re hoping to bag one, make sure to enquire at the theatre for any returns!