HIGH HEELS, HIGH FASHION AND TOWERINGLY HIGH CAMP:
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR MKT
Kinky Boots, the winner of every major Best Musical award, comes to Milton Keynes Theatre to cheer us all up just as the clocks go back and the nights draw in.
With a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles), and songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.
Charlie Price has just inherited the family business, an olde worlde gentlemen’s shoe factory, as it teeters on the brink of bankruptcy. Quality shoes just don’t cut it in this age of cheap as chips knock-offs and fall apart as soon as you look at it materials.
Charlie’s dad put his workers’ welfare above the profit margin and the business is about to go down the pan as a result. But help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos, and Charlie suddenly realises that giving it large can sometimes produce mini miracles – and get you onto the catwalks of Milan.
Inspired by true events that happened just up the road in Northampton and following on from the 2005 British movie, Kinky Boots stars Kayi Ushe as Lola, Joel Harper-Jackson as Charlie and Paula Lane as Lauren.
Book writer, Harvey Fierstein said: “The inspiring story of Kinky Boots will soon complete its full circle journey from Northampton to the silver screen to Broadway and London and now, at last, back home to Northampton as it embarks on a national UK tour. How often does that happen? It’s been an absolute thrill to witness the giant heart of our show raise audiences up out of their seats in clamorous joy night after night in the West End and I am now so glad to experience its homecoming.”
The show is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray).
Kinky Boots is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 9th November
Box Office: 0844 871 7652 or online:www.atgtickets.com /miltonkeynes
if you’re a lover of good stories, or musicals in general, or a real theatre luvvie this production will give you the best night out in ages! Playing to a fine nine-piece band (led by Richard Anderson) this talented cast take us through laughs and the sad moments and quite a few surprises and carry the entire audience along from the first line to the glorious finale! It seems unfair to mention particular cast members because this was a highly talented and tightly knit company, each playing their part wonderfully, but the stunning duet between Lola ( Kayi Ushe) and Charlie (Joel Harper-Jackson) “Not My Father’s Son” will bring a lump to the throat of even the toughest audience members. Talking of tough, Dimitri Lampra who plays worker Don in the factory, a man with no understanding that people can be different to him but still to be valued, was superb as this bully. Will he come round to a sensible way of thinking ever? You’ll need to get along to the MK Theatre to find out.
The sets and costumes were not just fantastic, but exactly right for every scene and every character.
I don’t often gush like this after a performance, but I promise if you can manage to get a ticket after reading this, you will have the most enjoyable theatrical evening ever!
Ernie Almond
Kinky Boots is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 9th November
Box Office: 0844 871 7652 or online:www.atgtickets.com /miltonkeynes
