Review: Kinky Boots, UK Tour, at the Liverpool Empire

I don't like leaving things late... so, I'm sorry in that regard, as it has now been 2 weeks since I saw the new UK Tour of Kinky Boots. But with its last week in the UK for a little while being this week, and in anticipation for the production strutting back into London next year, I have decided to plough on ahead during my day off to bring you my thoughts.

This new production was made at Leicester Curve, and recently played at the Liverpool Empire

And it was hard to get a ticket. It was lucky that matinees were better for me, because that was all that was left - and I booked the tickets several months ago. So I imagine it is going to be a hot ticket on its return to London too, with its star, Strictly professional Johannes Radebe reprising his role as Lola. 

I had seen the Jerry Mitchell original tour of Kinky Boots in 2018, but this is the first to tour that is not the original production. 

For those who have no idea what Kinky Boots is about, it is based on a true story, following Charlie Price, who inherited his family's shoe factory in Northampton when his father passed. But the factory is struggling, big time. To save it, he finds unexpected inspiration from a drag queen named Lola. What follows is a story of friendship, and accepting one another for who they really are. 

Beneath the camp and the red leather boots, Kinky Boots has one of the biggest hearts you will see 

As I said before, this production began life at Leicester's Curve, who are becoming a huge force in the theatre world, and is directed by its Artistic Director, Nikolai Foster. Such as his revival of A Chorus Line, the set is stripped back a bit, to be more compact and malleable, and a huge focus is giving on lighting. The set is framed by a an LED strip frame, shining mostly bright or warm white, with the occasional flash of red. It's rather striking, and more fitting of a working class Northampton factory. 

Creatively, what also strikes out is the choreography by Leah Hill, especially in the big numbers such as Sex is in the Heel which involve all the Angels going for it. Some of it, you could tell however, was made for Johannes' skills in mind, as an Argentine Tango section in What a Woman Wants. It became even more evident when it wasn't Johannes you were watching, however well performed it was. 

Yes, it was his cover, Newtion Matthews (Once On This Island, BKLYN), who was performing the Liverpool matinees, with a rich voice and full of soul. I enjoyed him as Lola, however, it was his costars who stole the show for me. More than anyone else, Kinky Boots is Charlie's story, and a challenge which Dan Partridge rose to. He played all of Charlie's complexities extremely well, especially when he hits his lowest point in Soul of a Man. I must also mention Scott Paige (I Should Be So Lucky) as George, who never fails to make the audience laugh. 

And last but not least - I have to say Courtney Bowman (Legally Blonde) as Lauren is the highlight for me. She was a revelation

Lauren is not the biggest part, but she has her moments and she has to be hilarious. Bowman was witty, cutting, sassy and very down to earth. Her History of Wrong Guys was a definite highlight, having my Mum and I both in stitches, and souring to the very back of the Empire. She was fantastic casting, and I shall be annoyed if she is not recast in the London run (that it unless she already has another exciting project lined up). 

I must finally mention that I went along to the signed performance. I am really sorry that I don't know the gent's name, but he did such an amazing job, wearing a very appropriate red sequined outfit. 

If you are able to see the next leg of the tour, which goes to Germany and Switzerland, as well as two more UK venues, before returning to Leicester and London, I highly recommend you do so - or if you are in Oxford, it is at the New Theatre until the weekend. They have, just today, announced new cast for this next leg of the tour, including Tosh Wanogho-Maud (The Drifter's Girl) as Lola, and Jessica Daley (White Christmas) taking over the role of Nicola. 

Kinky Boots is an amazing choice for a day/night out; fun, fabulous, with heart and will hopefully spark conversation. There was so much joy coming from the audience at seeing every single cast member in the kinky boots, and the pride progress flag on full display; to the tune of "Just be who you wanna be; Never let them tell you who you oughta' be".