Last night, I spent a few blissful hours in shoe heaven, watching my all-time favourite show – the brand-new Kinky Boots UK Tour at the Palace Theatre, Manchester.
I knew I was in for a spectacular evening from the moment the lights dimmed. As a long-time fan of Kinky Boots, I was eager to see how this latest UK tour would bring the show’s magic to life. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. With its infectious energy, dazzling performances, and a heartfelt message at its core, Kinky Boots remains one of the most uplifting and electrifying musicals out there.
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The Kinky Boots UK Tour at the Palace Theatre, Manchester
Kinky Boots is a high-energy musical with music and lyrics by the legendary Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein. It’s based on the 2005 British film of the same name, which was itself inspired by a true story.
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The show had its world premiere in October 2012 at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre before making its Broadway debut at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in April 2013. It took the 2013 Tony Awards by storm, earning 13 nominations and winning six. The West End welcomed Kinky Boots in 2015 at the Adelphi Theatre, where it ran for over three years and won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2016.
What Is Kinky Boots About?
At its heart, Kinky Boots is a story of transformation, acceptance, and the power of stepping into someone else’s shoes, quite literally.
The musical follows Charlie Price (played by Dan Partridge) as he struggles to save his late father’s beloved shoe factory, Price & Sons. With the business on the brink of collapse, he unexpectedly finds an unlikely saviour in Lola (Johannes Radebe), a charismatic drag queen he meets on a night out in London. Together, they embark on a daring plan to reinvent the factory by creating a line of glamorous, high-heeled boots strong enough to support a man.
But Kinky Boots is about more than just fabulous footwear. It’s a poignant exploration of prejudice, identity, and self-acceptance. The show reminds us that failing to be open to others only leads to missed opportunities and that, no matter how confident someone appears, everyone has their own battles to fight.
Charlie and Lola may have had similar beginnings, but their journeys take them in very different directions. When they first meet, their differences seem impossible to bridge. But as their stories unfold, they realise they have far more in common than they ever imagined. Their unlikely friendship sparks a journey of self-discovery, not just for them, but for everyone around them. Challenging people to embrace diversity, break down barriers, and see each other for who they truly are.
My Review of Kinky Boots
I stand by it—this is the best show ever.
The pace of Kinky Boots is electric. From the moment Lola struts onto the stage, the energy is explosive, and the characters are engaging and utterly believable. This new production has made subtle changes to the set, all of which enhance the experience. The transitions are seamless, keeping the momentum of the story flowing beautifully. And as for Johannes Radebe? He was born to play Lola. His performance brings an extra layer of magic to an already phenomenal role.
The score is nothing short of spectacular. Every song either makes you want to leap out of your seat and dance or leaves you stunned by the sheer power and beauty of the performance. The chemistry between Charlie and Lola breathes new life into the show, making it feel fresh and exciting.
The standing ovation was immediate and lasted through the entire finale. And then, in a moment of pure magic, Cyndi Lauper stepped onto the stage. It was a one-off appearance, yes, but it was the perfect ending to an already perfect night.
The atmosphere was electric, and if I could do it all over again tonight, I absolutely would. Kinky Boots isn’t just a show—it’s a lesson in love, acceptance, and being unapologetically yourself.
And honestly, we could all learn a lot from Lola.
Where Can I See Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots is at the Palace Theatre Manchester until the 8th of February, with tickets from £38.00, don’t miss it. Then at…..
- King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Tue 11 Feb – Sat 15 Feb 2025
- Edinburgh Playhouse, Tue 18 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 2025
- Milton Keynes Theatre, Tue 11 Mar – Sat 15 Mar 2025
- Theatre Royal Brighton, Tue 25 Mar – Sat 29 Mar 2025
- Stockton Globe, Tue 29 Apr – Sat 3 May 2025
- Bristol Hippodrome, Tue 13 May – Sat 17 May 2025
- Liverpool Empire, Tue 8 Jul – Sat 12 Jul 2025
- New Theatre Oxford, Tue 22 Jul – Sat 26 Jul 2025
Please note I was gifted the tickets in return for an honest review; see more theatre reviews here. And here’s where to park nearest the Palace Theatre Manchester.
