Berkshire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07805.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51759" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07805.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07805-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07805-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07805-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07805-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Kyan Heywood as Lola </figcaption></figure>



Buckle up, kids,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/kinky-boots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kinky Boots</a>&nbsp;has strutted onto the Wilde Theatre’s stage at South Hill Park, in a whirlwind of sequins and towering six inch heels, delivering a hit of high camp with a side order of &#8216;you do you&#8217; positivity.&nbsp;



It&#8217;s been eight years since Kinky Boots first found its footing on British shores, with a sparkling West End run. Now this beloved musical, set in Northampton and based on the 2005 film of the same name, arrives in Berkshire. With a cast of local talent and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, this is a dazzling and uplifting show sure to make your Easter holiday sparkle.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08430.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51761" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08430.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08430-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08430-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08430-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08430-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Sam Gillett as Charlie Price </figcaption></figure>



Following the unexpected death of his dad, Charlie Price (Sam Gillett) is left his failing shoe factory, Price &amp; Son. Just as he is questioning how to save the factory and protect the jobs of the people he grew up with, he meets Lola (Kyan Heywood), a cabaret performer and drag queen who inspires Charlie&#8217;s new ‘niche market&#8217;.



The pair form an unlikely partnership, and from here on in its bye-bye brogues and hello high-heeled ‘kinky&#8217; boots in a bid to save the business. Along the way, they discover they have more in common than it appears. Daddy issues mainly, but also feeling a little lost. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="470" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07305.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51764" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07305.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07305-800x376.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07305-400x188.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07305-768x361.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-07305-900x423.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The production holds a lot of charm and charisma. Set designer Victoria Spearing always manages the impossible with a creative set that moves and unfold seamlessly in an almost cinematic way. Shout out to the costumes, hair and wiggery for Lola and the Angels. They’re bright and fun, I particularly loved the coronation inspiration outfits in the final number and of course the iconic red latex boots are unforgettable!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08018.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51760" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08018.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08018-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08018-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08018-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08018-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Sam Gillett&#8217;s take on Charlie was clear-cut and strong, with a slightly awkward charm about him. His take on&nbsp;Soul of a Man&nbsp;was a stand-out, given his impressive vocals. Opposite was Kyan Heywood as Lola, who gave brilliant performances with&nbsp;Land of Lola&nbsp;and&nbsp;Not My Father&#8217;s Son, but at times it felt there could have been a sprinkle more of the sass and punch in the delivery.&nbsp;



Sophie Draycott supports as Lauren, and teetered on stealing scene after scene. Her hilarious rendition of The History of Wrong Guys as well as a sharp chaotic from the playbook of Miranda Hart. The seven angels are all equally fabulous, and have clearly been inspired by the rise of Drag Race. Their ability to dance in killer heels was off the scale good. The sass, cheeky winks and unapologetic glamour brought the energy and fun to this show. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08583.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51762" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08583.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08583-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08583-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08583-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-08583-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Cyndi Lauper wrote the music and lyrics for this show and picked up a load of awards for efforts. Her musical DNA is all over this show, but if you were expecting to hear one of her hits squeezed, you’ll be disappointed. The music is tailor-made for Kinky Boots and is actually better for it. 



Director Andy Carmichael has done an excellent job adapting Kinky Boots for South Hill Park, and while there are moments that lack a little oomph, it eventually does tick all the boxes. By the end, you forget about the drudgery of the day-to-day to-do list and allow the uplifting music and ‘be yourself’ message sweep you away. Rest assured, Kinky Boots is glam, glitzy good time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="619" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-06821.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51763" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-06821.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-06821-800x495.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-06821-400x248.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-06821-768x475.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/04/SHP_KinkyBoots-06821-848x525.jpg 848w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for:&nbsp;A girls’ night out – the vibe here is somewhere between a celebration of queens, with plenty of glitz, glamour, heart and sole (sorry).



Not for:&nbsp;Who likes musicals with familiar songs. Cyndi Lauper&#8217;s musical talent is all over this show, but don&#8217;t expect to hear a cord of&nbsp;True Colours&nbsp;or&nbsp;Time After Time. There’s some fruity language and sexual references, so be aware if you’re taking kids (recommended for 8+).



Catch ‘Kinky Boots&#8217; at South Hill Park, Bracknell from Tues 11 to Sun 17 April.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/kinky-boots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy tickets here.</a>

Review: Kinky Boots at South Hill Park, Bracknell

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