The Sex is in the Heel!

This one has been a long time coming: after being in the West End for 3 years now, Kinky Boots, the Cyndi Lauper smash hit has finally hit the road! Of course I had to see this, with it being one of the most anticipated tours of the entire year, and I finally got my chance last week at Manchester's Opera House; this has taken me FOREVER to write!!

Based off a true story and the 2005 film of the same name, it tells the story of a struggling shoe factory in Northampton on the brink of shutting down. Then owner Charlie Price receives inspiration to save the factory from an unexpected source - drag queen Lola, who is in need of some her footwear herself...!

Ever since it strutted onto the Broadway stage in 2013, it has been garnering more and more success. It has won every single main Best Musical award, including the Tony (beating even Matilda to the top prize) and the Olivier. So the main question is, now that it is finally on tour, was it up to all the hype...?

Well, let me point out one thing; the plot isn’t as strong as I thought it perhaps could have been. It’s essentailly a story about acceptance and following your own path: for Lola, is being accepted by the factory workers and finding peace with her father: and for Charlie, it’s his late father’s wish to carry on the factory against following his girlfriend Nicola to London and leaving no trace of Northampton behind. Sure, it has its plot driven moments, such as in Not My Father’s Son and Hold Me In Your Heart, but that’s not where it shines. It really glitters (like the boots themselves) in the big numbers such as Everybody Say Yeah and The Land of Lola, where director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell goes all out in the choreography with Lola and her Angels.

As you would perhaps expect, the star of the show is fellow Northerner Callum Francis, who plays the fabulous Lola. He's had a long history with the show, after originally understudying the part in the original London cast, he took the lead in Australia - and has just been picked up to play the part in NYC - no wonder, as you can understand why right from his first entrance! He's not only funny and incredibly glamourous, but also has a HUGE heart. There is no way you won't fall in love with this gal!

As Charlie, Joel Harper-Jackson took a little time to warm up too, but after his first big solo, Step One, he was off. Paula Lane's Lauren was a similar case, despite being a smaller part. Vocally, she was a little bit nasally, but if you didn't laugh out loud at least once during The History of Wrong Guys (my favourite song btw), something is definitely wrong.

For a final mention, I need to point out something, which given the title seems kinda obvious - Gregg Barnes' costume design, particularly the range of boots. They're all incredibly creative, and I have NO idea how on earth the Angels can dance around on those things - I know my friends were all saying the same thing. I can't walk on any heels higher than my cowboy boots, let alone 6" stilettos. Lola and the Angels sing "The Heel should hit the ceiling"; these certainly do.

If you're a big fan of musical theatre, then of course I would recommend this - it has become one of the best musicals of the 21st century; however, it is one for a big fun night. Similar shows like Billy Elliot and Everybody's Talking About Jamie may have a stronger plot, but if you like those shows and want a lighter version with a touch more glitter then this is the perfect choice for you; oh and also for a girls night.