A heartfelt, high-energy celebration of identity, acceptance and reinvention.
Kinky Boots The Musical, featuring music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, is adapted from the 2005 British film and brings its story firmly into the world of musical theatre. The show follows Charlie Price (played in this production by X Factor winner Matt Cardle), a shoe factory owner on the brink of collapse, who unexpectedly crosses paths with the dazzling drag queen Lola (portrayed by Strictly Come Dancing legend Johannes Radebe). What begins as a desperate attempt to save a failing business soon turns into a bold reinvention, as Charlie shifts from producing traditional men’s shoes to designing high-heeled boots built for drag performers. At its heart, the musical is as much about acceptance and self-discovery as it is about saving a factory.
I am a huge fan of both the film and the musical version of Kinky Boots, having seen several different productions over the years, but this may well be the best yet. From the outset, the London Coliseum proves to be the perfect home for the show. The theatre itself is stunning, and its sheer scale meant I never once felt cramped, allowing me to fully relax and enjoy the performance. The vast stage also gave the production real freedom to go big with its staging. Robert Jones’ set design makes striking use of a towering steel structure that effectively evokes the factory setting, while remaining versatile enough to transform seamlessly into other locations throughout the show. The result is a visually impressive production that makes full use of the space available.
The queen of the night was undoubtedly Johannes Radebe as Lola. Audiences already know Johannes as an extraordinary dancer from his seven series on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, but what came as a genuine (and very welcome) surprise was just how strong a singer he is too. The role of Lola feels as though it was absolutely made for him. He commands the stage with ease, delivering a high-energy, charismatic performance that never lets the momentum drop. This is casting at its very best.
Opposite him, Matt Cardle as Charlie Price is equally well cast. Cardle captures Charlie’s sense of being slightly lost and overwhelmed, while still keeping him grounded and likeable. His performance feels genuine and emotionally convincing, and he grows naturally into the character as the story unfolds. Together, Cardle and Radebe form a compelling partnership that sits at the heart of the show.
One song I absolutely adore—and never skip when it appears on my musical theatre Spotify playlist—is “Not My Father’s Son.” A deeply heartfelt ballad about identity and self-acceptance, it was without question the standout musical moment of the night. The emotional honesty behind the number landed powerfully and gave the production one of its most moving pauses. On the opposite end of the spectrum, “Land of Lola” remains a little guilty pleasure of mine—pure fun, bursting with energy, and impossible not to enjoy.
If you’re ready for sky‑high heels, big hearts and even bigger numbers, Kinky Boots The Musical is marching into the London Coliseum until Saturday 11 July 2026. Don’t miss the chance to see this feel‑good favourite — book now via London Box Office.
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