Kinky Boots - London Coliseum

“A Dashing Antidote for Life’s Sorrows”

In recent years, West End stages have become a home to numerous musical revivals, some enchanting the loyal fans and the demanding London audiences more than the others. However, a recent addition to the mix, Kinky Boots directed by Nikolai Foster, with book by Harvey Fierstein, is without a doubt one of the former - a revival that will knock you off your feet and make you want to dance all night long!

Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, the son of a Northampton-based shoemaker trying to save a failing shoe factory after his dad’s passing, and Lola, a drag queen who, just like in fairy tales, makes an unexpected, but oh-so glamorous and dazzling entrance into Charlie’s life, saving the day and capturing the hearts of many. However, the plot itself, based on a true story of Steve Pateman, the real-life Charlie Price, or the ‘Boss in Boots’, as he calls himself in a book co-written with David Saint, is far from a fairy tale. Interwoven with turbulent father-son relationships, severed childhood dreams, heavy societal pressures, challenging of traditional gender norms and the definition of masculinity - the story ultimately is one of resilience, human connection, power of community and accepting someone - anyone - for ‘who they are’. 

Kinky Boots is as timeless as ever.

This revival of Kinky Boots is led by the world-renowned dancer and choreographer Johannes Radebe, who made a mark on the British media industry with his radiant presence and expertise on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Radebe continues to amaze in this musical revival, reprising his role as Lola after a successful tour with the show since 2025. Without a question it is Johannes’s expressive and captivating dancing that leaves the audiences in awe throughout the production, however his acting and singing, a skill which Radebe himself mentioned required most training, do not fall short at all. Simply, Radebe is a force of nature, with confidence so palpable and irresistible that one wishes to join him and the brilliant ensemble on stage. 

Matt Crockett

Rooted in extraordinary talent, skillset and a great sense of companionship and support, each cast member is a star on their own. Honourable mentions go to Courtney Bowman for her exquisite and masterfully comedic portrayal of Lauren, a factory worker who falls head over heels for Charlie Price. A second mention to Scott Paige, whose wit and innovative approach to George, the factory manager, leaves audiences belly laughing. A third mention to Rachel Izen as the lovable Pat, one of Lola’s biggest supporters. And lastly, to Nathan Dryden Taylor as Mr. Price and one of the Angels, for stunningly playing a key part in conveying the show’s message - being unapologetically yourself. 

It is important to note that this review follows a performance of Kinky Boots on the 1st of April, which saw Liam Doyle skillfully take on the role of Charlie Price (originally cast as Harry, Charlie’s friend), in place of The X Factor’s winner and multi-platinum recording artist Matt Cardle, who is regularly scheduled for the role. However, Doyle has without a doubt excelled at embodying Charlie, most likely during his time covering the character on the UK, Ireland and European tours. The youthful quality and determination he brings to the role adds a layer of distance between him and Lola - who seems more ‘experienced’ in life - without compromising the bond that the characters, as well as the performers develop as the show progresses. What further adds to the production is Foster’s choice to make the roles of Young Charlie (Callum George) and Young Lola (Sean Garcia Madiba), both gorgeously portrayed by young performers making their West End debuts, a more recurrent part of the story. The audiences are reminded of the past hopes and woes hovering over both of the leads, particularly during ‘I’m Not My Father’s Son’, which serves as a heart-warming moment of recognition, care and understanding between adult Charlie and Lola, as well as the young and older versions of themselves.

From the moment the audiences are greeted with a lit up Kinky Boots sign, reminiscent of Broadway Marquees, upon entering the auditorium, to the first notes of the full-of-life music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper together with Adam Fisher’s sound design, we know we are in for a spectacle. And what a spectacle it is! The stellar ensemble shines in ‘The Most Beautiful Thing in the World’ as the ‘Prize and Son’ shoe factory emerges. Lighting (Ben Cracknell) and set design (Robert Jones) complement each other beautifully and support the audience’s emotional journey. A shoe rack filled with men’s footwear, which at times acts as a joyous carousel in the more up-beat and energetic dance sequences - a member of the ensemble in itself indicating the ‘ups’ of the factory - becomes an ominous presence, looming over Charlie in moments of doubt. The industrial interior of the workplace slowly, yet steadily becomes filled with Lola’s contrasting signature ‘sex’ red - NOT burgundy - and the open spaces smoothly transition into more confined and intimate ones with the use of a singular moving panel. The multi-level staging, clever use of set elements and props to highlight memories and past experiences (such as boxing training between Young Lola and her dad), as well as the skillful lighting coordination between Lola’s red and blue, a prominent colour in the factory worker’s clothing, do not go unnoticed - harmoniously blending the seemingly dissimilar worlds.

As much as the sound, set and lighting designs are commendable, it is the costume design by Robert Jones and Tom Rogers that undoubtedly deserves a standing ovation of its own. Every piece of clothing is thought-through in great detail - from the daily attire of factory employees to the splendid and bedazzled outfits of the Angels, Lola’s troupe of fabulous drag royalty, Kinky Boots is an extraordinary fashion show throughout (which Foster skilfully integrates the audience into). Johannes Radebe’s stunning appearance in a long, elegant and glamorously red dress, accompanied by a moment of consolation between Lola and her sick father at a nursing home, is one of the many highlights, and so are the masterly, luscious wigs by Campbell Young Associates. The brilliance and cleverness of costume design particularly shines in Lola’s incredible jean dress, worn when she and the Angels visit the very Northamptonian factory in question for the first time. The clash of the two worlds is however less striking thanks to the drag queen’s outfit choices (of course skillfully orchestrated by Jones and Rogers) - the blues of the jean dresses, flair trousers and denim waistcoats recognise the blues and greens of the factory attire - a nod to Lola metaphorically extending her hand to Charlie perhaps. Nevertheless, the subtle, yet eye-catching statement accessories do not fail to remind us of Lola’s sheer power - with a lavish red bracelet firmly hugging her wrist. 

Matt Crockett

Oh - and the boots! The outstanding kinky boots! Jones and Rogers have made sure that the titular footwear is as memorable as it can be, setting the seal on their legendary status in a final Milan fashion show display. With ‘Raise You Up/ Just Be’ already an anthem of ‘celebrating’ and ‘elevating’ one another, each pair of boots and every single performer wearing them with pride truly ‘stand out from the crowd’! With audible gasps and enthusiastic applause at the variety of costumes throughout the production, as well as the costumes serving as an inspiration for the audience member’s own outfits for the night, this aspect of the production is destined to remain in the spotlight.

Overall, apart from the occasional sound mixing struggles, which at times lead to the dialogue being unintelligible - a discernible challenge particularly in a venue as grand as the London Coliseum, as well as the one-off joke involving an Eastern European folk dancer which was not entirely well received by this reviewer, Kinky Boots is a phenomenal triumph and a true celebration of life, of the self and of those around us.

So, put on your favorite shoes and let them take you to Kinky Boots, currently gracing London's West End. It is with certainty that this antidote for life’s sorrows, made of six inch stilettos and a great load of hope, could really ‘heel’ the world.

Production Value: 90%

Value for Money: 80%

Personal Enjoyment: 90%

Overall Score: 87% - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)

(AD | Ticket gifted in exchange for an honest review)

Show Information

Venue: The London Coliseum, London, United Kingdom

Playing until: 11th July 2026

Run Time: 2h 20min - including a 20-minute interval

Tickets for this venue can be booked at the link here.