Kinky Boots
KINKY BOOTS
Ladies and gentlemen,
and those who have yet to make up their mind ….
We are privileged to
see this splendid production brough to us by Sharmill Films. It is a wonder the
theatre’s fire alarms didn’t go off -
this show is so HOT with fantastic high energy performances by a
terrific cast led by the original West End leads Killian Donnelly as Charlie and
Matt Henry as Lola/Simon.
It was filmed at London’s Adelphi Theatre with songs from Grammy and Tony award
winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, book by legendary Broadway playwright Harvey
Fierstein and direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell .There was a short
on screen interval (10 mins) between the show’s two acts.
The use of close ups
and fast camera shifts enabled us to follow the narrative onstage .The
sizzling, dyamic energy of the stage show and the frantic factory life are
terrifically depicted.
Inspired by true events,and based on the 2005 film written by
Geoff Deane and Tim Firth this knock out production tells the story of
two people who think they have nothing in common. Charlie Price is a factory
owner struggling to save his shoe factory family business, and Lola is a
fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. With a little compassion and
a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learn to embrace their differences
and create a line of sturdy stilettos (unlike any the world has ever seen !) for
a somewhat unexpected niche market .Their greatest achievement is their
unanticipated friendship.
This production had the audience almost dancing in the aisles.The show
is often exuberant ,steamy and deliciously provocative yet it also deals with challenging ,underlying
darker issues. It is a story about personal growth, self-acceptance , and
the acceptance of outsiders and prejudice.
In this screening we see the audience reaction to the performance, as
well as being able to follow the show from almost every perspective.The huge
multilevel set ( David Rockwell ) has various pieces that slide in and out and
the lighting ( by Kenneth Posner) is sensational.
And oh the stunning,amazing costumes ! Not forgetting the spectacular
almost sinfully gloriously dazzling boots (bespoke shoes or boots can be a
piece of art, lovingly crafted sculpture.)
Choreography ranges from MTV to Latin-American based and includes a gym
inspired routine using the conveyor belts of the factory.
Bearded West End original Donnelly as Charlie gives a most notable
multifaceted performance. Will he be able to save his family’s shoe factory and
its workers ? And his engagement to his enterprising fiancée Nicola, in London?
Charlie’s stressed out pre-Milan solo (‘Soul Of A Man’) was extremely powerful
and intense.
Their duet together (I Am Not my Father’s Son) is beautiful and
heartbreaking .
Lauren , one of the factory workers, was appealingly played by Natalie McQueen.with
a deft comic touch as for example in her solo realising she has a crush on
Charlie (‘The History of Wrong Guys’)
The rest of the large cast is also terrific with a special mention of Lola’s
drag ensemble the Angels .Sean Needham is gruff and somewhat ominous in the
role of obstinate homophobe Don . Cordelia Farnworth gives
a terrific performance as Charlie’s rather posh and imperious fiancé Nicola. Antony
Reed impresses as rather reticent factory foreman George.
Sit back, enjoy and
Just Be .
Kinky Boots The Musical as a movie opens nationally to selected screens from November 28
Running
time – roughly 2 hours 10 minutes including interval
Star Rating
4&1/2 Stars
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