After a successful national tour in 2025, Harvey Fierstein’s, Broadway smash hit book, 2005 film (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Tony-award winning play is back in London. Following its 2019 run at the Adelphi, we welcome a new star-studded cast, with Strictly Come Dancing fave Johannes Radebe as the much-loved lead, Lola and Britain’s Got Talent 2010 winner, co-star Matt Cardle as Charlie Price.
With warm and bold direction by Nikolai Foster, set in Northampton and inspired by the real life of Steve Pateman, Kinky Boots the Musical is the heartwarming tale of how the Price family business is struggling to make ends meet and tough decisions need to be made.
The father and son shoemakers are in crisis, redundancies are necessary, and after his father’s untimely death, son Charlie Price discovers the head of the family had been having secret talks with developers. Enter Johannes Radebe as smoking hot drag queen Lola, who inspires an about turn for the factory workers who turn their hands to making thigh-high patent kinky boots.
Radebe, as the main attraction, is striking and fierce – this feels like a role perfectly suited to his incredibly exquisite dance moves, choreographed by Leah Hill, but who knew that he could act and, more importantly, sing, too? kitted out in an enviable selection of fun and fabulous wardrobe gowns fit for any runway, with glamour courtesy of costume designers Robert Jones and Tom Rogers. The dramatic looks are achieved through wigs, hair and makeup by Campbell Young Associates drawing inspiration from the late great Whitney Houston.
There was much talk from the die-hard Kinky Boots fans about whether or not Johannes Radebe could hold the high notes. Well, rest assured, to all the sceptics, he absolutely nailed song after song, leaving us in awe. His duet with Cardell, “I’m Not My Father’s Son,” in the first act gave us goosebumps, with both of them pouring their heart and soul into the track.
Cyndi Lauper has blessed the soundtrack with so many trademark pop-rock songs with catchy ballads and upbeat toe-tappers, that we promptly downloaded the soundtrack on our way home. Stand outs for us were Cardle’s Soul of Man, proving to us all why he’s an X Factor winner, because, wow!
This is a good time to give Courtney Bowman her props for being completely captivating and entertaining every time she graced the stage. Her Lauren is hilarious and loveable, and we are rooting for her all the way as the love interest who is besotted with Charlie Price. We loved her solo of The History of Wrong Guys and wanted to hear more of her outstanding vocals.
The set by Robert Jones does not disappoint –spectacularly transforming from factory to Italian catwalk with ease and creativity.
This is a show that ticks all the boxes for a feel-good story, providing inclusivity and acceptance amidst a time of despair and conflict across the globe.
We left the show with full hearts and a spring in our step, having experienced one of the most joyful and uplifting West End shows we’ve seen this year. This shiny new version of Kinky Boots is only in London for 17 weeks, so put your best heel forward and strut your way to the London Coliseum asap and catch Johannes Radebe and his angels in all their glory.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Kinky Boots plays at the London Coliseum until 11 July 2026 | See listing
- Kinky Boots gala performance in support of Water Aid | 29 Mar 2026
- TOSH WANOGHO-MAUD TO ALTERNATE THE ROLE OF LOLA WITH JOHANNES RADEBE IN KINKY BOOTS AT THE LONDON COLISEUM
- JOHANNES RADEBE TO MAKE WEST END MUSICAL DEBUT IN KINKY BOOTS AT LONDON COLISEUM 17 MARCH 2026 – 11 JULY 2026
