KINKY BOOTS at the London Coliseum – what was once a vibrant, dazzling shade of red now feels closer to burgundy.
Based on the 2005 film Kinky Boots, Kinky Boots The Musical first strutted onto the London stage in 2015 at the Adelphi Theatre, where it played for four glorious years, raising audiences to their feet night after night and reinforcing its empowering message to “just be who you want to be.”
Now, hot off the heels of an extensive UK tour, the show is back in the West End for a limited run at the London Coliseum.
The Story
With a book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who unexpectedly inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory.
Desperate to save both the business and the jobs of his employees, Charlie searches for a niche market – something to appeal to a new demographic of buyers and turn the business into a success.
Enter Lola, a dazzling, larger-than-life drag queen whose fabulous high-heeled boots may look spectacular but aren’t built to last. Spotting an opportunity, Charlie and Lola join forces to create a line of sturdy, stylish boots designed specifically for drag performers, with their sights set on Milan Fashion Week.
What I liked
Courtney Bowman is a standout as Lauren. Effortlessly funny, bursting with personality and delivering powerhouse vocals that elevate the score to new heights.
Scott Paige brings plenty of humour as factory manager George, while Billy Roberts (Don) and Jessica Daley (Trish) also give strong supporting performances.
The music remains undeniably infectious. As ever, audiences leave the theatre humming the songs, with melodies that stick long after the curtain falls.
What I didn’t like
It’s been more than ten years since Kinky Boots first dazzled the West End and something about this revival feels a little flat (I overheard someone after the show call it ‘messy’).
Gone is some of the original production’s magic, including the inventive transformation of Charlie from boy to man and the iconic moving conveyor belt choreography that once gave the show its visual flair.
Johannes Radebe, best known for Strictly Come Dancing, is clearly the main selling point as Lola. Judging by the audience reaction, he has a huge fanbase. While the added dance breaks play to his strengths, as someone seeing him perform for the first time, I didn’t feel fully connected to his portrayal on an acting level.
Similarly, Charlie Price should come across as endearingly awkward and boyish. Here, Matt Cardle’s performance leans more toward irritating than likeable, making it harder to root for the character.
Billie-Kay’s Nicola, typically a driven and ambitious partner, instead feels detached and somewhat self-serving, lacking the emotional depth needed to ground the relationship.
Is Kinky Boots worth seeing?
Once a feel-good musical bursting with colour, heart and originality, this production of Kinky Boots doesn’t quite recapture the same magic.
While the songs remain as catchy as ever and there are strong performances within the ensemble, the overall experience feels like a diluted version of its former self.
What was once a vibrant, dazzling shade of red now feels closer to bargain-basement burgundy.
★★
Reviewed by West End Wilma
Kinky Boots is playing at the London Coliseum until 11 July 2026
