Reviewed by Nikki Cotter

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To say there was a buzz when Strictly icon Johannes Radebe was announced as Lola in this all-new Kinky Boots revival would be a wild understatement, as a firm audience favourite and a passionate promoter of authentic self-expression this casting felt like an absolute match made in heaven. Tonight’s Manchester press night proved in utterly fabulous style just how perfect that inspired casting really was as Radebe and the rest of this talented company bring the party to town in glorious, glittering style.

Based on the 2005 film this beloved Broadway and West End musical with music and lyrics from the legendary Cyndi Lauper introduces us to Charlie Price (Dan Partridge). Charlie is unexpectedly made responsible for saving the family business, a shoe factory that was the lifelong passion of his late father. Charlie, however, has little interest in shoes and things quickly begin to fall apart, that is until a chance meeting with a flamboyant drag queen named Lola (Johannes Radebe). With the help of Lola, Charlie soon begins to realise that he might just have what it takes to save the factory while unexpectedly saving himself as he learns to accept who he really is.

This uplifting production is an absolute joy and delivers the most wonderful message of friendship, acceptance and love, as we see Charlie and Lola embrace each other’s differences while creating the most sensational (and sturdy) stilettos on the market.

Johannes Radebe fills Lola’s six-inch stilettos spectacularly. Every moment he is on stage is thrilling, he delivers Leah Hill’s intricate choreography with ease, totally transfixing the audience, he is utterly mesmerising and an absolute star. He also has a beautiful vulnerability when it comes to the quieter more heartfelt moments, his duet with Dan Partridge during Not My Father’s Son is deeply moving. The addition of young Charlie and young Lola (played superbly by Joshua Beswick and Sekhani Dumezweni) taking this already touching moment to the next level.

Partridge wonderfully embodies Charlie Price, taking us on an emotional journey as he shifts from frustrated heir to a confident can-do factory owner. Stuck between the expectations of family and trying to keep his relationship afloat, Partridge gives an emotional and complex performance. His vocals sore and he has an undeniable likeability that has the audience rooting for him from the start.

Courtney Bowman is a delight as factory worker Lauren. Her comedic timing is sensational while her delivery of History of Wrong Guys is truly iconic. Joe Caffrey’s portrayal of Don is a fantastic secondary story to the main plot, his character arch from angry ‘real man’ to someone accepting of both difference and change is wonderful to see while Manchester’s own Scott Paige is as entertaining as ever in the role of factory foreman George, he takes every magical moment in the spotlight and runs with it.

The energy given by this cast is infectious, they radiate positivity while celebrating each and every character’s individuality. The feel-good vibes this show delivers are unmatched, you’ll leave the theatre uplifted, empowered and feeling a whole lot more positive about the world around us. There couldn’t be a better time for a revival of this celebratory show, with its vital and important message. This incredible cast, stunning production and slick delivery will ensure audiences fall in love with Kinky Boots all over again. Be quick to book as these Kinky Boots must surely strut into the West End soon, sensational!

Kinky Boots is on at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 8th February tickets available here.