London.
KINKY BOOTS
book by Harvey Fierstein lyrics & music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper based on the Miramax motion picture written by Geoff Dean and Tim Firth.
Adelphi Theatre 411-412 Strand WC2R 0NS To 27 May 2016.
Mon- Sat 7.30pm Mat Wed & Sat 2.30pm.
Runs 2hr 20min One interval.
TICKETS: 020 3725 7060.
www.reallyusefultheatres.co.uk
Review: William Russell 17 September.
These boots are made for running.
Based on the 2005 British film about a Northampton shoe factory on its uppers, then saved when it finds a new niche market, this is an hilarious drag show which never drags. Or at least, not after the first quarter of an hour, once Lola makes her entry.
Harvey Fierstein’s book loses its way a little in act two and Cyndi Lauper’s song are no more than serviceable – the piece cries out for Jerry Herman – but the story of how gullible young Charlie Price, nicely done by Killian Donnelly, faced with bankruptcy after he inherits the family firm, works a treat.
One night he saves a girl from being mugged. She is no lady but drag queen Lola, a blisteringly good performance by Matt Henry, tough, vulnerable and in fine voice, who reveals what Lola needs are heels that don’t snap.
Charlie has found his niche market but the work-force has to be convinced, his fiancé wants to turn the factory into flats, and there is a big fashion show to attend in Milan to launch the new products.
Little is made, unlike the film, of the undeniable frisson between naïve Charlie and his overwhelming new boyfriend, but it does not matter. This is pure show business about shoe business.
Lola is accompanied wherever she goes by her angels, six drag queens of spectacular beauty – shades of La Cage Aux Folles, which Fierstein also wrote – who would steal the show where it not that Henry has already done that.
The piece has been drilled to perfection by director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and there is nice work from Jamie Baughan as the big butch worker who taunts Lola and learns a lesson or two in tolerance, and Amy Lennox as the hand who gets Charlie.
But it is Donnelly and Henry who carry the show to success in a splendid double act.
Mr Price: Alan Vicary.
Young Charlie: Beau Cripps/Ben Dawson/Edward Green.
Young Lola: Nan Agyeman-Bediako/James Gava/Tumo Reetsang.
Simon Senior: Robert Grose.
Nicola: Amy Ross.
Charlie Price: Killian Donnelly.
George: Michael Hobbs.
Don: Jamie Baughan.
Lauren: Amy Lennox.
Pat: Chloe Hart.
Harry: Paul Ayres.
Lola: Matt Henry.
Angels: Jeremy Batt, Arun Blair-Margat, Marcus Collins, Luke Jackson, Adam Lake, Javier Santos.
Trish: Gillian Hardie.
Richard Bailey: Michael Vinsen.
Milan Stage Manager: Verity Quade.
Ensemble: Paul Ayres, Robert Grose, Gillian Hardie, Chloe Hart, Sophie Isaacs, Sean Needham, Tim Prottey-Jones, Verity Quaid, Alan Vicary, Michael Vinson, Blue Woodward.
Swings: Gemma Atkins, Emma Crossley, Jordan Fox, Callum Francis, Robert Jones, Catherine Millsom, Dominic Tribuzio.
Director/Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell.
Designer: David Rockwell.
Lighting: Kenneth Posner.
Sound: John Shivers.
Music Supervisor/Arranger/Orchestrator: Stephen Oremus.
UK Musical Director: Peter White.
Costume: Gregg Barnes.
Hair: Josh Marquette.
Make-up: Randy Houston Mercer.
UK Associate choreographer: Darren Carnall.
UK Associate director: Dominic Shaw.
2015-09-19 00:17:24
