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All you need to know about Kinky Boots

As it extends its West End run, delve inside the colourful world of Charlie Price and Lola.

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Kinky Boots, the Olivier Award winning musical with music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, announced in late April that it would be extending its West End run into early 2019, welcoming new cast members to take on the lead role of Charlie Price and his co-worker Lauren. Sassy and enchanting Drag Queen Lola will continue to be played by Simon-Anthony Rhoden, with changes ahead for the roles of Don and and George.

With the feel-good musical now booking until Saturday 5 January 2019 at London’s Adelphi Theatre, here’s what you need to know about the high-heeled spectacular.

Kinky Boots - Performance on Olivier Awards 2016

What is Kinky Boots about?

Following the unexpected passing of his father, new Londoner Charlie Price is called back to Northampton to take over his family’s shoe factory. Discovering the financial difficulties Price & Son has encountered, Charlie finds a chance solution with the help of larger-than-life drag queen Lola. Together, Charlie, Lola and an ensemble of factory workers and Lola’s entourage look to revitalise the business with the help of some particularly sturdy stilettos.

Based on a true story, Kinky Boots began life as a 2005 film starring future Academy Award nominee Chiwitel Ejiofor in the role of Lola. Before arriving in the West End, the very British tale opened on Broadway to critical acclaim.


What can audiences expect?

Kinky Boots pulls together a gritty battle of acceptance, community and identity with a fully realised glitzy spectacular. Protagonist Charlie battles with family commitments and expectations, mirrored in the tale of Lola, who breaks social norms as a outwardly hardened and silver tongued drag queen. It’s the hidden vulnerability of both, revealed as the show unfolds, that holds much of the show’s charm.

The musical marries the inner and outward turmoil with a serious dose of humour. When Lola is at her most outrageous, see Sex Is In The Heel as a perfect example, the show is riotously funny. The humour isn’t reserved entirely for these scenes either, with Lauren (currently portrayed by Verity Rushworth and soon to be by Natalie McQueen) offered a brilliant show-stealing turn.

The full package is visually stunning, thanks in no small part to Jerry Mitchell’s spot on direction and choreography. In its most grandiose moments, Kinky Boots seems unstoppable in its triumphant drive forward, but even at its most stripped back, the production balances humour, heart and vibrancy with ease.

Feel-good and heartfelt, there are few shows in the West End with as much joy as Kinky Boots.


Who stars in Kinky Boots?

It’s all change as Kinky Boots prepares to extend its run with new lead and ensemble cast.

Oliver Tompsett and Natalie McQueen will join the cast of Kinky Boots at London’s Adelphi Theatre from Monday 4 June 2018. They’ll play the roles of Charlie Price and Lauren respectively, with Simon-Anthony Rhoden set to continue as Lola.

Sean Needham will play the role of Don, with Cordelia Farnworth continuing as Nicola and Anthony Reed as George.

Other additions to the cast include Abbey Addams, Jak Allen-Anderson, Louis Clarke-Clare, Daniel Downing, David Haydn, Graham Kent, Christopher Parkinson, Hannah Price, Anna Stolli and Olivia Winterflood.

Continuing in the show are current cast members Jed Berry, Momar Diagne, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Rossie Glossop, Robert Grose, Keith Higham, Ben Jennings, Robert Jones, Suzie McAdam, Emma Odell, Jon Reynolds and Tom Scanlon.

David Hunter, who currently plays the role of Charlie Price, and Verity Rushworth (Lauren) will play their final performances on Saturday 2 June 2018.


Who is behind the scenes of Kinky Boots?

Two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray) has directed and choreographed Kinky Boots for London’s Adelphi Theatre. The creative team also boasts a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles). Pop icon Cyndi Lauper, renowned for such hits as Girls Just Want To Have Fun and Time After Time (note: neither of which appear in Kinky Boots), provides music and lyrics for the show.


What are the critics saying about Kinky Boots?

Kinky Boots has been running in the West End now since 2015, having received rave reviews and every major award (including the coveted Olivier Award) since. Here’s just a selection of what’s being said:

“An absolute hoot of a show, total box office family entertainment.” ★★★★ – The Times

“Dazzling, fabulously sassy and uplifting.” ★★★★ – TimeOut

“Hilarious, heartwarming, and a hell of a lot of fun.” ★★★★★ – Digital Spy

Kinky Boots UK | Official UK Extended Trailer

What else do I need to know about Kinky Boots?

The show is now booking until the 5 January 2019, with new cast set to take on the roles from early June 2018. It all takes place at London’s Adelphi Theatre.

Tickets for Kinky Boots are available now through Ticketmaster.co.uk.