Kinky Boots The Musical at Sheffield Lyceum Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Sheridan Brown

Last night, my husband and I were thrilled to be part of the audience at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield for the sell-out opening night of the spectacular musical production of Kinky Boots. Starring Strictly’s Johannes Radebe, this Broadway and West End smash hit promised to be a ‘joy-filled sensation’. And wow! It absolutely delivered!

Directed by Nikolai Foster, Kinky Boots is based on a true story and hit movie. The show tells the story of Charlie Price, a young man who has inherited his family’s ailing shoe factory in Northampton. A chance meeting with Lola, a charismatic drag performer, results in an unlikely partnership. With Grammy and Tony award-winning music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots celebrates open-mindedness, acceptance and self-expression.

It was the first time we have visited the Lyceum and we were blown away by its architecture – both outside and within. Built in 1897 in the Edwardian Baroque style, the theatre has a beautifully restored interior. Ornate plasterwork – beautifully painted – made the auditorium feel very grand. The staff made us feel very welcome and we noticed how supportive they were to those with mobility issues. The theatre is magnificent – but there are many stairs to different levels – even within a floor. However, there is a lift to all floors and an accessible toilet near the lift on the ground floor. The staff were kind and attentive and after obligatory toilet and bar stops, we made our way to the auditorium.

As we took our seats, the excitement and buzz of the packed audience was palpable. The stage set was a simple factory frontage. However, a massive, red, neon-lit ‘Kinky Boots’ logo was suspended from the fly-loft creating an interesting juxtaposition between the drab seriousness of the traditional shoe factory and the fantastical glamour of the drag scene. There was no doubting the show we were about to see. Then suddenly, music blasted out – the lights went down – and we were thrown headlong into the show.

The early parts of the show concentrate on telling the story of Charlie Price, the expectations of his father and the workers employed in the family factory. Charlie is fabulously played by Dan Partridge who, throughout the production, exhibited real star quality. I was particularly impressed how multi-layered Charlie was; Partridge was able to capture both the heart and the pig-headedness of our flawed hero.

Even though this is, without-doubt, a musical production, I was really impressed by the amount and quality of acting in the show. This enabled different, more subtle layers of the story and characters’ lives to be revealed to the audience – maybe more than could be conveyed through music alone.

Partridge’s performance was solidly supported by an amazing cast – all ‘triple-threats’ in their own right! Singing, dancing and acting were all of the highest quality. Lauren, played by Courtney Bowman has an amazing, soulful voice – and I loved her down-to-earth characterisation. For me, one of the standouts of the supporting cast was Scott Paige, who plays George. His really well-timed comedic interjections provided many laugh-out-loud moments for us all.

And then there is Lola! Bursting onto the stage midway through Act 1 Johannes Radebe is the undisputed star of the show! I’ve never heard such a roar from the audience at first entrance. Of course, we were expecting fabulous moves from this Strictly Come Dancing stalwart – but what a voice! I was astonished to read in the program that he had never sung professionally before! He was able to bring sass and personality to bangers such as ‘Sex is in the Heel’ and ‘Just Be’ as well as introspection and sensitivity to ballads such as ‘Not my Father’s Son’. Radebe’s characterisation was also fabulous – and the way that Lola/Simon’s character juxtaposed fierce confidence with inner doubt was very sensitively performed. I’ve no doubt we’ll see him again in musical theatre spectaculars in the future!

Supporting Lola, and mixing with the factory workers for bigger numbers, were the amazing Angels – a fabulous and talented troupe of drag performers that brought charisma, energy and witty glamour to the production. It was also a lovely surprise to see the Angels were augmented by a couple of additional drag queens – with a big shout out to Jonathan Dryden Taylor for his performance. We both thought it was a cheeky nod to Bernadette in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Visually, the production is stunning. The set, designed by Robert Jones, is imaginative and flexible and we are taken from Northampton factory to a Milan catwalk via nightclubs, boxing rings and old folks’ homes. I loved the way that a large iron gantry was used to create industrial atmosphere and nightlife glamour by the use of clever lighting (Ben Cracknell). Choreography (Leah Hill) was superb – and with so many performers on stage, impressively tight.

Overall, we both loved the show. And it was clear to see that the rest of the audience shared our enthusiasm. The show closed to a loud and enthusiastic standing ovation and the cast were clearly thrilled. If you’re looking for a feel-good show that has heart and sensitivity as well as sass and glamour – then this is the show for you!

Rating: 5/5
Dates: Tues 24th – Sat 28th June.
Tickets: £15 – £61.50
Remaining shows (limited availability) are bookable here: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk