Kinky Boots - Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Mark

The Price and Sons factory doors burst open as Kinky Boots makes a stop in Nottingham as part of an extensive UK and International Tour.

Johannes Radebe (Lola) and the Angels. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography

The musical is based on a heartwarming true story and adapted from a hit movie. This feel-good musical boasts a soundtrack filled with Tony and Grammy-winning songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book crafted by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

We meet Charlie Price, who is facing a tough time after inheriting a struggling shoe factory and dealing with a rocky relationship. However, everything changes when he crosses paths with Lola, a confident drag queen whose flair and unique style could just provide the answer to reviving the business.

The highly anticipated appearance by Johannes Rabebe as Lola means the production has sold out before it opened. You can sense the audience is here for Johannes, and once he makes his entrance around 20 minutes into the first act, he is greeted by a huge ovation. Undoubtedly, Johannes has such a striking stage presence, and he completely draws you in with his personality and delivery of the role. Naturally, his movement is outstanding too. He is given plenty of chances to show off the dance moves that make him so beloved by the audience. His stage presence means you do forgive when his vocals may be a little lacking. He is a little exposed in the softer numbers but does enough to get through.

Dan Partridge plays Charlie Price. He does a fine job in conveying the emotion, especially in the second act when the cracks begin to show. He has a strong voice, although the slowed-down 'Soul Of A Man' doesn't really land if you've heard previous versions of the number. Partridge does feel a little lost at times to the strength of those around him.

Courtney Bowman's star continues to rise; she is a constant delight as Lauren and is probably the strongest performance of the whole company. Her sparkling presence means you should keep an eye on her. Vocally, she packs a punch, delivering 'The History Of Wrong Guys' with skill and humour. Scott Paige also stands out in the ensemble as George.

Courtney Bowman (Lauren). Photo by Pamela Raith Photography.

Joe Caffrey also impresses as tough man Don, who rejects the notion of a man in a dress coming into the factory. Caffrey navigates the emotions of the role really well and, by the rousing finale, gets a full moment of redemption. Lucy Williamson gives a well rounded performance as Trish.

A strong ensemble includes some fabulously diverse Angels (Lola's drag queens). They are vibrant, and their delivery sizzles. Visually, the costumes designed by Robert Jones are a little lacking in the sparkle at times, and the sheer joy of the phenomenal 10 minutes lacks as the angels are all in black, where you feel they should come on in a full rainbow of celebratory colour.

Nikolai Foster directs this new production, which in truth is a mixed bag in places. The production goes through peaks and troughs. The set design also by Robert Jones impressively locates the piece in the factory and other settings, and the use of the space throughout is cleverly realised. The lighting is designed by Ben Cracknell; thankfully, this does use a full rainbow of colour, which enables the production to shine when it needs to.

A strong and brilliantly sounding 6-piece band under the musical direction of Sioned Evans creates a superb sound. The music of Cyndi Lauper is catchy and toe-tapping, although it does also go through some good, some more forgettable. Lola's numbers 'The Land Of Lola' or 'The Sex Is In The Heel' is where things are at it's strongest with Leah Hill's punchy choreography pulled off by the company with great aplomb. As mentioned, it's the finale of 'Raise You Up/Just Be' that is sheer exhilaration and sends you back out with such celebratory feeling.

There are some great nods to Pride with the theme of acceptance running throughout. The unveiling of a Pride flag in the finale is lovely to see and serves as a great reminder that everyone should feel welcome and safe regardless of their sexual orientation. That message is the real takeaway from the show.

Dan Partridge (Charlie) and Johannes Radebe (Lola). Photo by Johan Persson.

It may not be a perfect production, but there's enough enjoyment to be had. Despite what it lacks, it does pack a rainbow of a punch. For fans of Johannes, you'll leave delighted at having seen his star turn. For others, it may lack a touch. On the whole, this may not be the most beautiful thing in the world, but it is hugely entertaining.

Kinky Boots plays at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Saturday, 5th July 2025. The run is sold out but do check for any returns. https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/kinky-boots/

The UK and International tour continues with dates currently booking until 1st February 2026. Visit https://kinkybootstour.com/ for full tour details.

Please note Johannes Radebe is only scheduled to play Lola until 19th July and doesn't play the role at all performances. Check local listings for more information.

The cast of Kinky Boots. Photo by Johan Persson.