Adelphi Theatre

You'll end the show on your feet beaming!

I saw Kinky Boots for the first time almost a year ago in New York. I loved the show back then, which was all kinds of sassy and uplifting but not without its flaws (namely a few dodgy British accents). Seeing the show in the West End at the Adelphi Theatre, I once again loved the show for its upbeat sass, only this time the production's delivery is utterly flawless.

Based on a true(ish) story, Kinky Boots, is the tale of an unlikely partnership that leads to the redevelopment of an old, struggling shoe factory into a glitzy hub of unprecedented fashion and fabulousness. If that sounds like your kind of thing, you will love the show. Even if that synopsis doesn't appeal, I'd still wager that you'll end the show on your feet beaming.

I would have thought it would have been tough to beat the Broadway casting, but with Killian Donnelly as Charlie, Matt Henry as Lola, Amy Lennox as Lauren and a sensationally kinky booted ensemble, this show manages to dazzle on a whole new level.

Vocally, both Henry and Donnelly proved themselves to be absolute powerhouses, but my favourite musical number of the evening came from Lennox as she managed to relate to pretty much every gal in the room during her hilarious rendition of "The History of Wrong Guys." I hear ya, sister!

Cyndi Lauper's music isn't completely consistent, but the stand out numbers "Sex is in the Heel," "Everybody Say Yeah," "Just Be" and the aforementioned "History of Wrong Guys" definitely compensate. Lauper's hit numbers combined with Jerry Mitchell's energetic direction and choreography make this show a truly uplifting theatrical delight. Everybody say "yeah" to the fantastic conveyor belt dancing!



And what of the boots? Were they suitably “kinky”? Absolutely! Designer Gregg Barnes brings the glamour with his array of excellent attire and glorious footwear. How long until the merchandise department of the Adelphi is selling knee high red leather shoes? I’d like to pre-order a pair in a 6 please!

Sure, the premise is pretty simple, but there are some lovely lessons learned in the book by Harvey Fierstein and most of all, the show is incredible fun. I would heartily recommend this show to anyone and everyone!



Rebecca Felgate