Kinky Boots at London Coliseum

There are theatre productions that premiere in London like a firework in the dark, as under-the-radar spectacles, and there are shows whose fame precedes their West End arrival. Kinky Boots belongs to this latter category. Almost nine years after its debut in the capital, the show makes a glitzy return to the stage. The musical inspired by the iconic 2005 film struts with infectious energy and no shortage of sequins.

Charlie (Matt Cardle) inherits Price & Son, a shoes manufacturing company in Northampton, which has been producing men’s brogues for four generations, giving work to many families in the town. But now the shoes are too expensive for the general consumers, and the company is going bankrupt. The only possible solution is to change the product, finding a niche in the market still unfulfilled. A chance encounter in London with Lola (Johannes Radebe) may provide answers to both those questions, at the price of a revolution in the conservative minds of the factory’s workers.

Cindy Lauper’s score is propulsive, with lyrics that hit at the core of the messages of the story, from The Land of Lola to Sex Is in the Heel, to the melodious Hold Me In Your Heart. The final number Raise You Up/Just Be rounds up in a show of glee and sparkling dance euphoria.

Radebe doesn’t disappoint: he proves a thrill in his dancing shoes, wears the red dresses superbly, and is magnetic as he strides across the stage. The only downfall is not having left him more space, given that he also has the incredible Angels as support. Courtney Bowman (playing Lauren) demonstrates remarkable vocal command while delivering a funny and engaging stage presence. In a similar way, Scott Paige (George), steals the heart of the audience, being endearing without being saccharine. If the acting occasionally falls short, the singing more than rises to the occasion.

The costume designs by Robert Jones and Tom Rogers are a feast, and no small part of what makes this production special, together with the set design by Robert Jones. Whether it be the all-different hot red dresses of Lola and the Angels, the dazzling black attire of the finale, or the modest suit and aprons at Price & Son, they hit with sass. The leather brogues hanging from the ceiling, the table works smoothly turning into backlit platforms, the scenery inside the factory detailed to the walls and the neon lights framing the dark curtains covering everything up for a scene change: the curation of props and backdrops transports the characters and the audience across rooms, streets, cities.

In dimmer times, live performances remind us what joy and solidarity feel like. Kinky Boots delivers both, with queen-worthy, high-heeled exuberance to spare.

Cristiana Ferrauti 
Photos: Matt Crockett

Kinky Boots is at the London Coliseum from 17^th March until 11^th July 2026. For further information or to book, visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum here: