Glitz, glamour and a whole lot of fabulous bursts into Glasgow with the UK tour of “Kinky Boots” – a loud, proud and downright sassy production based on the true story of an unlikely friendship between a straight-laced business man and a fabulous cross dressing entertainer.
The musical score was written by award-winning pop superstar Cyndi Lauper and her 80s pop icon status can be heard throughout the various catchy poptastic numbers. Kinky Boots has received rave reviews after successful long runs across the West End and Broadway before embarking on its latest tour.
Charlie Price (Joel Harper-Jackson) finds himself struggling to save his crumbling father’s shoe factory while also trying to keep his high-maintenance snobby fiancé happy.
When he meets the glamourous and confident Lola (Kayi Ushe) by chance, providing inspiration to seize a gap in the market and launch a new range of ‘kinky boots’ for cross dressers – a world away from the sensible, comfortable footwear usually produced in this family run business.
As Charlie and Lola work together to develop a range of boots to premiere at a Milan fashion show, their friendship blossoms leading them to embark on a journey of self-discovery as they learn from each other how to really accept their individuality and talents.
Both leads give high energy, polished performances as the show is packed full of memorable moments, racing through a range of showstoppers and beautiful ballads, but it is Lola that dominates as the star of the show with impressive performances including Land of Lola, Sex is in the Heel and What a Woman Wants.
Ushe’s impressive vocal range combined with slick, complicated choreography is mesmerising to watch. Ushe and dancers move with more grace and elegance than most in skyscraper heels!
The performance capitalises on a cleverly written script with perfect comic timing and plenty of diva like sass.
Stripped bare of outlandish outfits and heavy make-up, there is a sense of vulnerability from a character on a journey to accept who they are and have that same acceptance from society.
As Ru Paul herself would say “ If you can’t love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else.”
Ushe’s performances of Not My Fathers Son and the diva-esque delivery of Hold me in your Heart had a standing ovation from some in the audience before the curtain even fell.
Former Coronation Street star Paula Lane is cast as the love-struck and slightly dorky Lauren who has a crush on Charlie. Her comedy performance of The History of the Wrong Guys provided one of the biggest laughs of the night.
The costumes and set design perfectly contrast the dull factory with the camp and outrageous fashions of Lola and the girls. The catwalk finale is truly a spectacular ending to the show. The entire audience was on their feet as the cast all debuted their own Kinky Boots with plenty of whoops and cheers as they took their final bows.
Vivacious, saucy and heartwarming, Kinky Boots will be playing in the King’s Theatre until Sat 18th May.