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Kinky Boots

 
Paul T. Davies Review by Paul T. Davies 5 Published: 1 Apr 2026 London Coliseum Show Dates: 17 Mar 2026-11 Jul 2026

With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein, this musical began with an impressive pedigree. But over the years it has become a milestone musical of LGBTQ+ equality, and here at the London Coliseum gets the production it deserves.

Tackling prejudice with a sequined boxing glove that packs a punch… an essential, uplifting tonic

Based on the real-life story of a failing Northamptonshire shoe factory that saved itself from closure by specialising in making women’s footwear for drag artists, the story came to prominence in the 2005 film. With its message of “accept someone for who they are”, it tackles homophobia, transphobia and prejudice with a sequined boxing glove that packs a powerful punch. It also explores the danger of accepting a situation you’re not happy with, as Charlie inherits the factory and feels the weight of expectation to keep going and not let his community down.

Of course, the success of every production of this show hinges on the casting of drag queen Lola, and here we have a true star in Johannes Radebe. Millions of Strictly Come Dancing viewers know he is a terrific dancer, but he has the singing and acting chops to fill the huge auditorium with personality. Lola is given stunning entrances that get roars of approval, but Radebe goes beyond the glamour and convinces as Simon, the shy, bullied man under the drag suit of armour. It’s hard not to take your eyes off him, he leads the company with strength and grace.

No stranger to Saturday night TV audiences himself, former The X Factor winner Matt Cardle has built up an impressive musical theatre career since, and here has the tricky role of “straight” (in more than one way) man Charlie Price, and is equally convincing, as Charlie’s doubts and fear of closure increase. It’s a part that builds, and although Charlie’s homophobic hissy fit feels sudden and out of character, Cardle makes it work by portraying the stress Charlie is under really well. His vocals are excellent, especially in Soul of a Man.

The leads don’t get away with stealing the show though. The supporting cast and ensemble are terrific. Courtney Bowman is outstanding as straight-talking and lovelorn Lauren, Scott Paige a gorgeous triumph as George, giving into his drag side with glee, Billy Roberts hugely convincing as misogynistic Don, until Lola zaps the toxic out of his masculinity, and Rachel Izen earns gales of laughter as Pat.

The whole production feels as if it’s had a glow-up after its UK tour, and director Nikolai Foster fills the huge stage with energy and flow, performed on Robert Jones’s excellent design. It’s when Don brings on the Progress Pride flag that the message is delivered home, and when the flag takes its place in the curtain call, it’s a powerful statement against the voices who want to silence us all. With the world being as it is, this musical is an essential, uplifting tonic.

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The Blurb:

Fall head over heels in Spring 2026! The multi-award-winning musical Kinky Boots is strutting its way to London in a joyous, brand-new production starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe.

The acclaimed West End and Broadway sensation runs at the spectacular London Coliseum from March 2026 for a strictly limited season only.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and based on an uplifting true story and much-loved movie, Kinky Boots features Tony and Grammy Award-winning music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, a hilarious book by Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein and is directed by the award-winning Nikolai Foster (Grease and The Wizard of Oz).

When Charlie Price inherits his family’s failing shoe factory, saving the company – and his love life – feel like an impossibly tall order. Until, that is, he meets Lola, the sparkling, larger-than-life drag queen with the unlikeliest of answers. Can they work together to reboot the business and save the day? Perhaps they just need to help each other – and everyone around them – to stand a little taller…

A glorious celebration of friendship and individuality, let Kinky Boots raise you up higher than ever at the legendary London Coliseum for 17 weeks only.