Kinky Boots Review – The Regent
Kinky Boots at The Regent is truly sensational!
The multi-award winning show brings all its glitz and glamour to Stoke-on-Trent with a bang, captivating the audience right from the start.
After inheriting the family business, Charlie (Joel Harper-Jackson) starts on a new journey he, himself would never of imagined.
A chance meeting with the delectable Lola, played by the convincing Kayi Ushe, soon turns into a partnership, which sees the troubled inherited shoe factory, turn into a creative Northampton catalyst for producing dazzling ‘kinky boots’.
Drag queen Lola is thrust back into a ‘mans’ world when accepting to help new found friend Charlie with the factory, and the stark meaning of acceptance is addressed.
As the story unfolds, both Charlie and Lola are pulled out of their comfort zones with relationships tested and questioned.
Joel Harper-Jackson is more than effective in delivering a true performance in Charlie with vocals to match, while Kayi Ushe is captivating.
Kayi Ushe as Lola. Image by Helen Maybanks
A solo performance from Lola, in a striking white dress, is mesmerising and when accompanied by her ‘Angels’ the stage is more than alive.
Lola and the Angels. Image by Helen Maybanks
Kinky Boots is undeniably an outstanding musical with genius choreography and direction along with an added boost of music and lyrics from pop icon Cyndi Lauper.
This is a feel good show, but it does have some gritty moments and if you dare to delve into the meaning of those ‘Kinky Boots’ you will discover another story – the darker side of life – where questions of sexuality, masculinity, perceptions and stereotypes arise.
Some of those questions arise when Don, played by the genius Demitri Lampra, has a boxing match with Simon/Lola which is delivered superbly in slow-motion style.
Plenty of one-liners and saucy moments leave you beaming, the toe tapping didn’t stop and Baba was straight up for a standing ovation at the end!
Kinky Boots has dazzling outfits, a delightful story, magnificent choreography and a remarkable cast who all look stunning in their very own ‘Kinky Boots’.
A show you don’t want to end!
Kinky Boots is at The Regent until 9 February.Tickets are now on sale at The Regent Box Office, or by calling 0844 8717649 and online www.atgtickets.com/stoke
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