Review: Kinky Boots at Sunderland Empire

“…an amazing show – I defy you not to love it…”

Kinky Boots by Harvey Fierstein, Sunderland Empire

By Lauren Powell

I didn’t have high hopes for tonight. I’ve seen the film version of Kinky Boots and, from what I could remember, the plot was “helpful crossdresser saves factory” and it was dull as dishwater, at least from what I recall. Also, I often find musical reduxes of films to be less than the sum of their parts. Let me tell you ladies, gentlemen and those who have yet to make up their minds, I was absolutely blown away.

The plot remains the same. Shoe factory owner Charlie Price (Dan Partridge) meets Lola (Tosh Wanogho-Maud), the most fabulous drag queen in London, and they strike up a friendship over shoes. Charlie and his ragtag crew of shoemakers pivot from making men’s shoes to producing Lola’s kinky boots. It all goes wrong when the pressure of the big Milan fashion show gets to Charlie. I’m sure you can guess that this feel-good story has a happy ending. I admire the narrative of character growth. The message of acceptance and rising to meet challenges in economically trying times feels really apropos right now.

Shout-out to the casting director (Harry Blumenau) for recruiting a troupe of such talented and diverse actors, singers and dancers who felt like real people. George (Scott Paige) and Lauren (Courtney Bowman) were awesome. I really enjoyed watching them drive the humour and plot along. The Angels, Lola’s court of Queens, were phenomenal and provided such a great contrast to the factory workers who were equally as talented and entertaining. 

Cyndi Lauper wrote the music and lyrics, so it would be hard for the songs not to be absolute bangers, any song Lola was involved in really pulled in the audience and Charlie’s voice was really beautiful. 

I have one small note of critique. When Charlie gets stressed out and starts being a jerk to everyone he becomes really camp. It’s hard to buy someone being so drag-phobic whilst being so, for want of a better word, flouncy. Other people seemed to still find him believable though – I could hear people hissing at his behaviour.

I have never seen such a well-used stage. Every inch of the set was a surprise waiting to transport you from a shoe factory, to a nightclub, a flat in London and even an old folks home. It was like a magical Rubik’s cube, a little turn of the wall and a change in the lighting and boom – you were somewhere entirely different. The lighting was absolutely glorious too. Steel beams become neon club lights, dreary factory lighting shifts into a rave- truly amazing. 

If you go and see this show – and you should – lean into the panto-esque cheering for the hero (Lola), hissing when people are bad, clapping and cheering at the times where it feels right. You’ll have a brilliant time, especially if you throw yourself into the drag vibe. It is an amazing show – I defy you not to love it. Tonight this show got a well-deserved standing ovation. Be prepared to get on your feet and clap in time with the rest of the audience.

Kinky Boots plays at Sunderland Empire until Saturday 06 December. Tickets are available here.

Lauren Powell is a recovering academic from the North East of England. Currently residing in South Shields with her partner and two malevolent gerbils. Lauren is a short form writer who writes fiction as well as reviews. She has loved the theatre since childhood, and many years ago volunteered back stage with an amateur group, Stage Focus.  From one man readings to musical and beyond, Lauren can not get enough! You can find her on Twitter/X here.