Having seen Kinky Boots in the West End a few years ago, I was filled with some trepidation as to how any amateur society might do this show justice. However, Springers certainly pulled it out of the bag with this production.
From the start of the show, the set was beautiful and filled the Civic Stage. The Orchestra under the skillful baton of Ian Myers gave the correct level of support meaning you didn’t realise it was there which is always a good thing.
There were some exceptional principal performances in this production. Charlie Toland took on the role of Charlie Price, who is left trying to make his father’s shoe factory solvent. Charlie seemed made for this role and was a joy to watch.
The challenging role of Lola was taken on by Ben Miller. Ben was he epitome of Lola, He has an amazing voice and vocal range and all his mannerisms were perfectly placed as the drag queen with attitude. This was an all around top class performance and its hard to image anyone else tackling this role with such aplomb.
Charlie’s girlfriend Nicola was played by Sophie Holmes. Nicola is a strong woman who knows what she wants, and Sophie delivered this perfectly.
Factory worker Lauren finds herself falling for Charlie and was played by Lexy Phillips, this was the first comedy role I have see Lexy play, and Lexy delivered this in spades, not only does she have an amazing voice and vocal range but she showed her ability too with excellent comedy timing. One has to ask – what can’t she do?
The grumpy homophobic factory worker Don was tackled with relish by Mat Smith. Mat found all the comedy in this role as well as donning some very fetching thigh high boots with style.
It was evident all the cast members were enjoying this show and this showed in the electrifying performance we witnessed tonight.
My only slight issues were a few large black voids for scene changes which these days just isn’t necessary, it’s old school theatre because audiences are happy to watch a live scene change and in addition there were some of the dance routines which were not rehearsed to the standard of the rest of the show and this unfortunately showed.
There were also a couple of solo numbers where there were far too many hand gestures and lots of pacing around the stage which is a distraction from the performance and didn’t allow us to fully appreciate the quality of the individual’s talent. A gesture is there for a reason, and you have to remember we are performing for a paying audience and avoid getting sucked into personal indulgences.
However, having said this, this was certainly a top class show and delivered on so many levels from the fantastic costumes to the vast range of props as well as the sound and lighting.
We left the show with a massive smile on our faces which is testament to how good the show was.
There are 2 performances tomorrow and we strongly recommend if you can manage to get a ticket - go!