Kinky Boots Delivers Uplifting Message of Inclusion at the Regent Theatre
The musical blends humour, heart and high heels in a triumphant story of acceptance
Premiering on stage in Chicago in 2012 and based on the 2005 cult film of the same name, Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who is poised to sell the Northampton shoe factory he inherited from his late father and move to London — until an unlikely partnership with cabaret singer and drag queen Lola changes everything. Together, they discover the factory’s niche: producing a line of outrageously sexy, high-heeled boots that not only save the ailing business but also dazzle brightly enough to impress Lola and her troupe of stiletto-loving friends.
Fast forward 20 years and the film’s feel-good message of inclusion and acceptance feels more relevant than ever in today’s frequently deeply divisive political climate, though there’s enough humour and sequins on stage to ensure that the musical never feels overly earnest. In this Broadway and West End phenomenon, the devilishly handsome Dan Partridge (you might have seen him in Casualty and Doctors on TV) shines as Charlie, a man desperate to escape the burden of running the family business, only to realise that it may be worth fighting for after all.
But it’s Tosh Wanogho-Maud as the charismatic Lola who ultimately steals the show. With a wardrobe of killer outfits (frilly basques! tasselled boots!), wigs, accessories, and hair-tossing attitude, Lola commands your attention from the moment she steps onto the stage. Beneath the lashes and dip-dye hair, deeper layers of her character are revealed in numbers like Not My Father’s Son: “The world seems brighter six inches off the ground/I was profound and I felt so loud.”
While the show’s message is overwhelmingly inclusive — cast members wrap themselves in the rainbow flag during the finale as Cyndi Lauper’s lyrics to Just Be ring out: Never let them tell you who you oughta be/celebrate your life triumphantly — Lola and her fellow drag performers inevitably clash with the factory’s more traditional employees. In one memorable scene, the stage becomes a boxing ring as the chauvinistic Don challenges Lola to cast off her persona and face him “man to man.” Even then, Lola/Simon pulls focus with a pair of gold boxing gloves.
And what did the opening-night audience make of it all? As theatregoers spilled out into the night (see our videos below), the reactions were glowing: “Amazing,” “fantastic,” and “an absolutely feel-good show… brilliant singing, fantastic cast. It’s just so uplifting.” Another couple added, “We saw it earlier this year and it was even better this time — it’s the best thing we’ve seen in a long time.”
Kinky Boots is at the Regent until Sunday 30 November. Tickets are priced from £28.
Check out what else is on at the Regent here – we’re looking forward to Nativity! The Musical and Cinderella in December, plus there’s Chinese dance show Shen Yun and Fawlty Towers worth checking out in February 2026…
Were you at the show last night or are you planning to go? Tell us in the comments below!
Excellent review Helen