Kinky Boots

Aug 9 2024 | By Eilidh Sim More

★★★★☆ Memorable

Hill Street Theatre (Venue 41): Fri 2 -Sun 25 Aug 2024
Review by Eilidh Sim

A glamorous and electric production of Kinky Boots by Sound Events Scotland features at the Hill Street Theatre where it is running every morning for the whole Fringe.

This is the story of Charlie Price who inherits his father’s shoe manufacturing business just as it is on the verge of closure. The book, by Harvey Fierstein, is based on the 2005 movie with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, which is itself inspired by the true story of Steve Pateman.

The Cast of Kinky Boots. Pic Sound Events Scotland.

While Charlie initially lacks the passion for shoes his father had – and plans to move to London with his fiancée Nicola, he soon realises that he needs to save the factory as the workers are his family. By chance he meets drag queen Lola, and together they begin to create a new line of footwear, high heeled boots for drag queens – the “kinky boots” of the title – to save his fathers business.

The musical starts out with an energetic opening number which sets the scene as well as presenting the outstanding singing capabilities featured across the 17 members of the cast. Elliot McLean portrays Charlie’s vulnerabilities well, with his vocal talents showcased in numbers like Soul of a Man.

Matty Juniosa shines as Lola. In addition to a phenomenal singing voice, he brings the necessary tenderness to the role during ‘Hold Me In Your Heart’, portraying the theme of acceptance that runs throughout the show.

powerful delivery

Laura Johnston who plays factory worker Lauren, finds all the hilarity of her character in ‘The History of Wrong Guys’, in which she realises she is falling for the boss, with some well thought out choreography accompanying her powerful delivery.

This choreography, by Claire Mitchell, impresses throughout. But especially through the numbers given to the drag troupe Lola’s Angels, who are dancing in heels throughout the show. Th troupe is convincingly portrayed by Liam McGrath, Phoenix Clasby, Rowan Strachan, and Sean Micheal.

A scene from Kinky Boots. Pic Sound Events Scotland.

Director Catriona Lamb uses the staging effectively despite minimal scenery with the only constant being a small runway in the middle of the stage. A one point a boxing ring that is created from rope held by three of the drag queens, while other smaller pieces of set are brought on for specific scenes. This minimal scenery allows the production to move smoothly between its different locations, from Lola’s club to the shoe factory, and Charlie and Nicola’s London apartment.

While the use of the space was successful there was one moment where a song was started in the aisle between the seats, meaning that the audience in the front rows were unable to see and had to turn around.

The other characters in the show are clearly defined, with notable turns from Abby Harkness, who is funny and warm as longtime factory employee Trish and Órla Jones, who is suitably passionate as Nicola, Charlie’s fiancée. The strength in the collective voices of everyone during the songs, makes for an outstanding show.

The musical ends with an exceptional finale, where the effort and love put into the production shines though.

Running Time: two Hours and 25 Minutes (including one interval)
Hill Street Theatre (Alba Theatre), 19 Hill St, EH2 3JP (Venue 41)
Fri 2 -Sun 25 Aug 2024
Daily: 10.50am
Tickets and details: Book here.

Show Instagram: @kinkyboots.fringe24
Venue Instagram: @hstheatre41
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
X: @HSTheatre41