Kinky Boots – The New Theatre, Oxford

Set in Northampton, a town once awash with industry and making, the show begins with young Charlie kicking a ball around, appearing to already be letting his father down by his indifference to his soon to be inherited calling… shoes. The experience is mirrored as a young Lola/Simon dances around the stage in Dorothy style red shoes and is challenged by his father for not fitting in. The show threads ideas of family expectation, choices and difference into a heartwarming parade of Cindy Lauper music and bold drag queen style.

The story jumps forward in time as Charlie, played by the very talented Dan Partridge, inherits his father’s struggling shoe factory and it is by accident that Charlie and Lola meet. Lola hits the stage and delivers a proud display of self-acceptance with the song “Land of Lola”. While many in the crowd may have been disappointed by the absence of Johannes Radebe as Lola, Newtion Matthews’ performance is a stand out and did not leave this crowd wanting!

When Charlie comes up with an idea to divert from the factories usual product and move to fill a gap in the market, he is met with resistance from the workers, a reminder that change is tricky to navigate. We see the industry falling to its knees and workers at other factories lose their jobs, and yet Charlie’s ingenuity is still met with resistance from the staff.

As the story develops we watch Lola struggle with identity, while in drag Lola is confident, dynamic and fearless, but we start to see cracks appear as he takes on new challenges and faces the ignorance and judgment.

A love story runs through the show, beginning unrequited, Lauren pines for Charlie as her childhood crush, she sees him in a way his fiancé can’t. Ultimately, it is her acceptance of Charlie, Lola and their idea that begins to bring the rest of the factory on board.  Lauren’s voice booms over the audience when she sings “The History of Wrong Guys”, a sentiment that feels familiar to women everywhere.

My stand out performance came right at the end where Don, played superbly by Joe Caffrey, with possibly the greatest character arc, charges out on to the catwalk in knee length sparkly red stilettos belting a voice that sounded as masculine and weathered as could only be compared to the icon Bruce Springsteen! His performance and character development is a resounding reminder that anyone can be an ally. His transformation into a supportive father figure to Lola and Charlie is bound to bring a tear to anyone’s eye.

While I didn’t leave the theatre in my usual style, hooked on a catchy earworm of a song, the story and sensitive portrayal of the challenges of a changing society, left a lasting impression. I give Kinky Boots a 4 star review!

Visit the ATG website for more information about all shows at The New Theatre: www.atgtickets.com/shows