Arts Review
Kinky Boots - Puts a Kink in Your Step
The Lyric Theatre was filled to the brim with an eager crowd, all of whom spent months anticipating the Cyndi Lauper composed show.
The production follows the story of a transgender performer Lola, played by Callum Francis, and shoe factory heir Charlie, performed by actor Toby Francis. Lola and Charlie meet under complex and violent circumstances, with Charlie intervening in an assault against Lola. The pairs serendipitous meeting leads to their working together to create a shoe, a shoe that struts a community towards acceptance and inclusion.
Initially the theatres grand red curtains reveal a bleak bricked factory wall and the crowd is greeted by the unassuming character of Don, performed by Joe Kosky. Following Don’s long stride, we enter the internal work room of the factory, the brick walls fold away and trolleys of shoes circulate the stage.
The pace held by the actors throughout the factory scene leaves you hypnotised by the movements and rhythms of a synchronised factory floor. Scenic Director, David Rockwell, utilises every space available to create elaborate sets that work between scenes in a clever multiplicity. Kenneth Posner’s lighting design enables seamless theme, style and scene changes to take place in an effortless motion.
When the audience is introduced to Lola’s girls from the club, they are absorbed into a bright sequined narrative created by costume designer Gregg Barnes. Co-creator Harvey Fierstein describes the production as a “joy pill”, which is acknowledged by the broad smiles of the audience that transcends from each booming song that is performed and musically illustrated by Lola and the girls. Humour plays a central role within the production, there is an underlying dry wit in scenes that entices each audience member to draw contemporary political and social issues to the forefront.
The characters of Lola and Charlie approach adversity with a sensitivity and vulnerability, that many of the audience members empathised with and commented on. It presented multiple characters living within the consequences and constraints of a hyper masculinised factory culture. However, the characters of Joe and Charlie, through reflection, became more nuanced in their understandings of the dilemmas experienced by marginalised communities. The stamina and vibrancy of Lola’s character conquered the hearts of the audience and left, very red, shoes to fill when it comes to acceptance.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see a well-timed and dazzling performance:
22nd of August to 22nd of October
By Elizabeth Ralph