REVIEW: Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre

Ladies, Gentlemen and those who have yet to make up their mind running until January 2019 is Kinky Boots. Based on the 2005 film written by Tim Firth and Geoff Dean, Kinky Boots the Musical opened in London in 2015 and three years later it is still going strong; however has recently announced it’s closure; sad times! 

This show has a single, simple message behind it. Be who you are, love yourself and accept others. 

The story revolves around Charlie Price (Oliver Tompsett) the son of a Cobbler and Lola (Simon-Anthony Rhoden) a Drag queen from London who team up to save Price and Son’s, Charlie’s inherited, failing factory. Instead of firing people, Charlie, after a chance encounter with Lola is inspired by his colleague Lauren (Natalie McQueen) to find a niche in the market and he does; Drag boots - more specifically Kinky Boots. 

Oliver has just stepped into the shoes as Charlie and is pretty much perfect in the part. His voice is astounding and so comfortable to listen to. Going to the highs of his range without any effort whatsoever. Beautiful. 

Rhoden as Lola commands that stage every second he is on it, whether in heels or not. His rendition of ‘Hold me in your heart’ gave the audience collective goosebumps. His chocolate like timbre caressed even soul in that audience. 

Stealing the show was the comedy stylings of McQueen’s Lauren. Not a funny beat was missed and it was nice seeing her in this after seeing her in Murder Ballad. 

It’s a shame that this fantastic musical is closing on the West End. It really is
the heart of the theatre district. London promotes inclusion and love and Lauper’s Music and lyrics shout it loud and clear. In the recent years we have seen a drag renaissance and Kinky boots, along with Ru Paul’s Drag Race has been influential to the opinions of culture and now Drag culture is mainstream. Kinky Boots shows us a piece of history when Drag wasn’t mainstream and as understood and accepted as it is now; a time when the lines between drag and trans were blurred. 

Although the piece has been modernised slightly from it’s film conceptualisation the homophobic sentiment remains - and in a day and age when Pride still has more and more significance I’m happy it’s touring and taking the Land of Lola to people that haven’t had the chance or means to get to the West End. 

Long live Kinky Boots! 

Review by Samuel Clemens

Rating: ★★★★★

Seat: Dress Circle C12 | Price of ticket: £69.50

This review has been brought to you by Pocket Size Theatre in association with London Box Office. 

Buy your tickets here!