Kinky Boots
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: London Coliseum 

Get ready for Spring 2026 as the multi-award-winning musical Kinky Boots comes to the London Coliseum, starring Johannes Radebe. Featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning music by Cyndi Lauper, a witty book by Harvey Fierstein, and direction by Nikolai Foster. 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…

The words Kinky Boots have been on everyone's lips since it was announced to be returning to the West End last year. After a long awaited return, the show has finally opened at the London Coliseum and is currently running until July 2026. 

The musical is based on the 2005 film of the same name, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor. It follows the story of Charlie Price; a Northampton man who's just inherited his late father's shoe factory. He's never been a vibrant, nor passionate man, but when he has a chance encounter with drag queen Lola, his life is tipped on its axis and the unlikely pair find themselves working together to save the shoe factory. 

I am one of the few people who Kinky Boots had never been on the radar for, and I went into the production almost completely blind - and was simply blown away by the sheer magnitude of the production value. From the size of the ensemble, the staging, the sets, the costumes; everything was as dramatic and over-the-top, and I mean that in the very best way. The start of the show does feel slightly longer than necessary, with the introduction to Price and Sons feeling dragged out, with a glimpse of Charlie's life from childhood to current day. However, from Lola's first appearance, the production truly flourishes and it's a non-stop rollercoaster ride of self-discovery and embracing who you truly are. 

Johannes Radebe (Lola) and Matt Cardle (Charlie) are a pair I never expected to see performing in a West End musical, much less together. With Radebe swapping the glitter ball for killer heels and vocals to boot (excuse the pun), and previous X Factor winner Matt Cardle switching from albums and gigs to swoon-worthy vocals and brilliant acting in live theatre. The chemistry between the pair is undeniable, as well as the respect the duo clearly have for each other whenever they're onstage with one another. This is particularly evident during their heart-wrenching duet of "Not My Father's Son". 

Cardle's "Soul of a Man" is raw and completely stripped back, which only highlights just how powerful his vocals are. And while Radebe stuns vocally in the quieter moments, he truly flourishes when he's able to flaunt his sass and the calibre of his jaw-dropping dancing. The choreography from Leah Hill highlights just how brilliant he truly is (as well as the entirety of the cast, quite honestly). His wit and comedic timing are exceptional, and it's clear to see how comfortable he feels in the roles of both Lola and Simon. "Sex is in the Heel" is one of the most visually-pleasing numbers and where Radebe quite literally has the audience in the palm of his hand.

However, the unexpected stars of the show lie in Courtney Bowman as Lauren and Scott Paige as George. Bowman's rendition of "The History of Wrong Guys" is a masterclass in acting through song and her vocals are simply sublime. Both Paige and Bowman received the most audience reactions of the performance, and rightfully so. The pair are truly the underrated duo of the production. 

The music and lyrics from Cyndi Lauper are utterly gorgeous, and there's no doubt you'll be leaving the theatre singing earworms from the show. Another aspect that truly makes the show is the lighting from Ben Cracknell. The juxtaposition of the dull, almost lifeless lighting whenever the factory is centre stage, to the almost-seductive, red lighting whenever Lola is onstage is incredibly effective. And a mention must also go to Robert Jones and Tom Rogers who have created some of the most stunning costumes for stage; particularly Lola's and the Angels.

In a time where LBGTQIA+ rights are once again being questioned, this production seems to have come along at the perfect time and is the reminder the world needs that we are all simply human and deserving. A visual spectacle like no other. Heart-warming, feel-good...and most importantly, wholeheartedly accepting. 

You can book tickets to Kinky Boots, here.

**photo credit: Matt Crockett**