Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With a Tony nominated book by Harvey Fierstein plus Tony and Grammy award-winning songs by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots, based on the film of the same name by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth struts into Storyhouse this month and this all-new revival is just as fun as you’d hope it to be.

When Charlie Price’s father passes away, he inherits the failing family shoemaking business. Torn between saving the factory and leaving it all behind for a new life in London with girlfriend Nicola, Charlie is at a crossroads. A chance meeting with a flamboyant drag queen called Lola, opens Charlie’s mind to the fact that he might just have it within him to save the business while also unexpectedly saving himself.

Danny Becker is a wonderful Charlie Price. His impressive journey is filled with heart as he explores, (at times without realising) who he truly is. He draws you in and has you rooting for him throughout while his vocals soar, particularly during Soul of a Man and the incredibly beautiful Not My Father’s Son. This duet with Duane-Lamonte O’Garro as Lola, while one of the simplest moments in the show genuinely packs an emotional punch.

Duane-Lamonte O’Garro is perfectly cast as Lola, bursting with soul and sass he convincingly embodies Lola and gives us a character we wholly believe in. Fiercely fabulous one moment, sucker punching us the next with his heartfelt performance during Hold Me In Your Heart. A multifaceted performer who really shines.

Leah Vassell brings warmth and heaps of humour as a charismatic Lauren, raising the energy of the show during her solo The History of Wrong Guys. From here the show really gets into its stride.

Gareth Cassidy as factory foreman George is a joy while Roddy Lynch is a perfect Don.

Of course there’s no Kinky Boots without Lola’s Angels; James Lowrie, Remi Martin and Thomas Sankey are heavenly as they join Lola on stage, giving us slick vocals and complex choreography all while wearing six inch heels.

Add to this a multi-talented ensemble of muso-actors and you’ve got everything you need for a great piece of theatre. That said there are moments when instruments felt a little distracting during certain scenes such as Don entering the boxing ring with his guitar around his neck and Nicola suddenly whipping out a trumpet after declaring she’d found her perfect shoes.

Director Amber Sinclair-Case has made some inspired choices with the finale really giving us that memorable moment we all wish for.

This is hugely entertaining, uplifting theatre that not only entertains but gently educates in the most wholesome of ways, showing beautifully how challenging prejudice and embracing difference can lead to true acceptance of both ourselves and each other. Kinky Boots will raise you up, an up, and up!

Kinky Boots is on at Storyhouse Chester until Saturday 18th May, tickets available here.