Everybody say yeah!

Another long-awaited musical takes to the stage for Showbiz’s 2024 season.

Kinky Boots opened to an extremely enthusiastic crowd at the Isaac Theatre Royal over the weekend.

For those unacquainted, Kinky Boots is a musical that breathes new life into a 2005 British film. It weaves a tale around the unexpected alliance of Charlie Price and Lola/Simon, a twist that reshapes the destiny of the footwear industry.

When the creative forces of American playwright and actor Harvey Fierstein (Hairspray, Mrs Doubtfire, Funny Girl) and the iconic lyrics of Cyndi Lauper merged, a whole new beast was born – a stage show that would captivate Broadway and the world.

Kicking things off at the ITR, it was clear that under the direction of Stephen Robertson (Showbiz’s My Fair Lady, Wicked), the brief was understood, but he definitely put his own touch on the show. Perhaps a little more camp than other versions I’ve seen – but utterly enjoyable – a party.

It seems that each time I stop by the Isaac Theatre Royal, the set design – and in-show execution – get better and better. Set Designer Harold Moot clearly captured the familiar sets that fans know well – Price and Sons factory, and one that had me tearing up before the singing even started – the toilet block. These were recognisable but understood for the ITR stage, the size of which requires some innovation. I was particularly a fan of the drop-down ‘setting’ pins.

The pair taking on the show’s leading roles, Lola/Simon (Euan Fistrovic Doidge) and Charlie Price (Cameron Douglas), are extremely accomplished.

I’ve always been a fan of Cameron since I first saw him on stage for Jesus Christ Superstar. He captured the essence of Charlie, a cobbler struggling to find his path under his father’s shadow. He displayed his range and kept the audience gripped throughout.

Euan is the international talent on the ticket this year. It’s always interesting to see the different interpretations of Lola. It’s safe to say that Euan grabbed Lola by the horns.

Euan was a powerhouse. High energy. Camp. Powerful vocals.

 Aside from the absolute mastery of the heels, they had the most believable emotion of all the actors on stage. In no track is this clearer than with Not My Father’s Son. This song, my favourite, the penultimate in Act One, is the point where Lola/Simon and Charlie understand each other – bonding over their own pasts. Not only is it in a different tempo, but it’s a different range than a lot of the songs and it also requires deep emotion. Euan ticked all the boxes. Tears were shed by this reviewer.

Other standouts for me were Sophie Harris as Lauren, Charlie Price's lovestruck assistant. It’s a hefty responsibility to take on one of Kinky Boots’ most memorable, loved and vocally demanding tracks, The History of Wrong Guys. And, by George, she nailed it. Still, early in her stage career, Sophie is clearly one to watch.

Chris Goodyear as George, the faithful foreman at Price and Sons, is always a joy to watch. Katie Beer as Pat ended up being my favourite of the night. Though not a huge role, when the spotlight was on her, she owned it. Delivering laughs every time.

I can’t forget The Angels, Lola’s gaggle of drag queens, played by Jack Duff, George Hosking, Olly Humphries, Bryn Monk, Drew Noble, and Jack Shatford. These queens are the best example of Glen Harris’s choreography. I was equal parts impressed and stressed watching them twirl, twerk, and vogue in stilettos.

Also, we must talk about Oscar Days as Don. Don is the misogynistic/homophobic ‘every man in Northampton’. Maybe it was just me, but I couldn’t help but think that Oscar had captured a misogynistic/homophobic Kiwi male more. Perhaps this was his intention. It was something that I think worked particularly well and maybe hit harder with the overall message of the show. Oscar also proved his vocal power with the closing track Raise You Up.

 And perhaps it’s that. Though a lot of fun, Kinky Boots is a friendly reminder to never judge a book by its cover and accept people for who they are. We could all learn a thing or two from Lola’s Six-Step Programme.

This is a must-see show for 2024, and not just because Kinky Boots holds a special place in this reviewer’s heart.

Kinky Boots plays through to 4 May at the Isaac Theatre Royal.