Dust off your highest heels—Kinky Boots has strutted into Leeds for one week only, bringing sparkle, sass and a whole lot of soul.
With Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe stepping into the iconic role of Lola, this production is a glitzy celebration of identity, acceptance – and the power of fabulous footwear.
At its heart, Kinky Boots is a feel-good story about Charlie Price, a young man desperate to escape the life his father mapped out for him. Instead, he ends up inheriting his family’s struggling shoe factory in Northampton. On the brink of financial ruin, Charlie teams up with Lola—flamboyant, fashion-forward, and in desperate need of high-heeled boots that can actually support a man. Could this niche market be the factory’s saving grace? Obviously… yes. But in true musical fashion, the journey to that point is full of emotion, conflict and fabulous musical numbers.
As Charlie and Lola work to turn the business around, they’re forced to confront their own insecurities and prejudices, ultimately learning the value of authenticity, acceptance, and unlikely friendship.
From the moment the curtain went up, the audience was buzzing. I’ve honestly never seen a Tuesday night crowd so fully engaged—and it was clear most were here for one reason: to see Johannes Radebe shine. And shine he did. I’ll admit, I had no idea who he was before the show, but he was absolutely made for this role. His charisma, sass and of course his phenomenal dancing lit up the stage every time he appeared. His singing voice didn’t quite hit the same heights—lacking a bit of power and depth compared to some musical leads—but his other talents more than made up for it. His comedic timing and unapologetic diva energy gave the show the sparkle it desperately needed in its quieter moments. Honestly, I just wish he’d been on stage even more.
Johannes Radebe as Lola (centre) and the Angels
Lola’s entourage of drag queens, The Angels, were another standout performance. Bursting with sex appeal, confidence, and killer moves, they were pure joy to watch. Their choreography and energy lifted every number they were in—especially the final scene, which brought the whole audience to its feet. That said, the choice to include Charlie’s father as one of the group felt like a misstep. He didn’t seem comfortable in the role and lacked the polish of the others, which made those scenes feel a little off-
balance.
The score, by Cyndi Lauper, blends punchy pop-rock with themes of identity and resilience. When Lauper leans into her fun, rebellious vibe, the songs come alive—and that’s when the show is at its best. The high-energy numbers had the audience clapping along, especially when paired with the Angels’ choreography. My personal favourite? A hilarious, self-deprecating solo by Courtney Bowman as Lauren, a factory worker lamenting on always choosing the wrong man – in this case Charlie. She brought a genuine warmth and relatability to the show that was both funny and heartwarming. Another character I wish we saw more of!
As you’d expect, the costumes (designed by Robert Jones) were nothing short of magnificent. Not only were they vibrant and inventive, they played a crucial role in the storytelling. From the drab greys of the factory to the fiery reds of the Angels’ outfits, every costume made a statement. The outfits showed how clothing can liberate, define and sometimes confine us—and Lola’s wardrobe alone is worth the ticket price. And who doesn’t dream of a pair of heels that are also comfortable to walk in?
That said, not everything worked. Some of the slower songs felt forgettable, with cliché lyrics and uninspired melodies that dipped the energy. The dialogue and direction struggled in the more reflective scenes, and while the message of acceptance is undeniably important, it occasionally felt heavy-handed. Charlie’s character suffered most here—despite Dan Partridge’s strong vocals, the writing left him looking a bit one-dimensional. Still, the chemistry between him and Lola was genuine, and their dynamic reinforced the show’s core message: that understanding and empathy can break down prejudice.
Ultimately, the audience loved it and that’s what matters. If you’re a Strictly fan or a Johannes Radebe superfan, you’ll have a blast. And even if the message of acceptance is a bit heavy-handed at times, then it’s such an important one that has been overlooked for so long that perhaps it should be a scream from a rooftop…or a theatre stage in this case.
If sparkle, shoes, and show-stopping costumes sound like your idea of a great night out, grab your tickets before they disappear—because they’re selling out faster than Lola’s red high-heels.
Kinky Boots the musical:
Book by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper
Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell
Based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots
Written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth
Directed by Nikolai Foster
Choreographed by Leah Hill
Musical Supervision by George Dyer
Set and Costume Design by Robert Jones
Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell
Sound Design by Adam Fisher
Book tickets online at leedsheritagetheatres.com or call the Box Office on 0113 243 0808
Photography by Pamela Raith unless otherwise credited/captioned.
Main image: Johannes Radebe as Lola in KINKY BOOTS.
