Inspired by the true story of Steve Pateman, who saved his family’s shoe factory by creating footwear for men who like to dress as women, Kinky Boots is as much a story of realising your full potential as it is about a factory in Northampton and a very feisty drag queen.
After Charlie’s father passes away, he reluctantly inherits the family shoe factory and discovers it is in big trouble. Whilst in London, trying to sell excess stock, Charlie meets Lola and together, they come up with a plan to make boots for men, who dress like women, and save the factory. But when Lola and the Angels arrive in Northampton old attitudes and prejudices surface, as well as problems between Charlie and his fiancée, and the question becomes – Will the boots get made, and will they get to launch them at a fashion show in Milan?
There are some great moments in Eastbourne Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production. The Angels, played by Oscar Smith, Luke Charlesworth, Christian McDonald and Seth Ringrose, are as flamboyant as you would expect, and their dance moves in the big numbers are amazing. In addition, Amy Searle, who plays Lauren, a factory worker who falls for Charlie, is outstanding, and her rendition of ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ and is both comic and emotional at the same time, bringing the show up a notch in terms of quality.
It is also worth mentioning the supporting cast, who work tirelessly throughout the performance and who all manage to dance their way through the finale in those famous red boots!
Knowing the script well is an advantage, as it is a little disappointing that some of the actors deliver their lines at such a pace, it is difficult to hear them and, as a result, to hear the nuances of the plot although, on the plus side, it is great to see the stage looking very convincing as a bustling factory floor.
Kitson Wellard as Charlie, and Josh Wildman as Simon/Lola, are vocally outstanding. Both of their big numbers bring a lump to the throat, as their characters are so well developed that it is very easy for the audience to warm to them. Also, Don, played by Leigh Baker, a bigoted and just generally not very nice character, feels quite menacing in act one, which makes his transformation in act two a real wow moment.
A very special mention should also go to Bertie Thomas-Jones, as Young Charlie, and to Jago Gardner as Young Simon/Lola for their great performances, and their ability to walk, and dance, in heels – at such tender ages.
The second half of the show is more dramatic than the first, and watching the characters build up to the much heralded Milan fashion show is both entertaining and emotional – exactly how it should be. The finale itself, which includes a very bossy Milan Stage Manager (Claire Robinson), is both flamboyant and energetic, and has the entire audience enthusiastically clapping along.
If you are looking for a light-hearted, feel-good musical to pick you up and make you smile, do give those Kinky Boots a try!
**** Four Stars