Shoes are the most beautiful thing – at least if you believe this inspired-by-true-events tale of how stilettos saved a shoe factory.
This musical production is adapted from the 2005 film and tells the story of a family-run Northampton shoe factory that can no longer compete with cheap imports. It seems doomed to closure when its owner dies, until a chance encounter between his son and a drag queen opens up a new market selling women’s boots designed for men.
Dominic Sands plays reluctant factory owner Charlie Price and gives a confident performance while keeping true to his understated character, who seems (understandably) scared of his pushy fiancée Nicola, a sassy and on form Kathryn White.
The biggest spotlight falls on Akeem Ellis-Hyman, a rare professional hire for the nominally amateur Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society. Ellis-Hyman has a tough role and is definitely a captivating stage presence, but his vocals faltered occasionally on this opening night production.
The standout performances were instead from some of the supporting roles, with Emmie Wright as Lauren lifting the later part of the first half with great physical comedy and strong vocals. Alex Green didn’t get to sing much as shop floor belligerent Don, but he played a crucial part in a beautifully staged boxing match – possibly the strongest set piece of the show.
Steve Melton as factory foreman was a subtle delight throughout, and Adrian Wright’s cameo as a fashion show stage manager was deliciously exaggerated. Terrel Taylor and Archie Woodward as the young Lola and Charlie respectively showed a lot of promise in their brief appearances.
This is undoubtedly a strong cast and the production values are every bit the professional show, despite most of the cast keeping down very different day jobs.
The film had a stonking soundtrack of well-known tunes, but these are swapped on stage for an original Tony-award winning score by Cyndi Lauper. It lacks truly catchy tunes though, and Harvey Fierstein’s book drops some compelling plot lines from the film in favour of a tale of fathers and sons, and of emotional acceptance – but it remains a good yarn and an entertaining watch.
NNOS put on an impressive show, with 40-plus cast members – including six very able drag queens – and a nine-strong live band. Director and choreographer Chris Cuming allows only a few lulls in the show, with generally good use made of the talented and extensive cast.
I’m not sure that shoes are the most beautiful thing, but Kinky Boots makes a compelling case; the cast definitely deserve to be walking about six inches taller.
- Kinky Boots continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until Saturday, February 3, 2023.
