Kinky Boots (Theatre Royal, Nottingham, Personal)
🌟 Kinky Boots 🌟
03 June 2023 at 7:30pm at Nottingham Theatre Royal
★★
Before seeing this production of Kinky Boots, presented by Carlton Operatic Society, I'd never come across anything about the show, and I'd initially thought it would be right up by street, though I left feeling very divided. As this production is brought to audiences through an amateur group, I will not base my view on certain production elements, as my opinion of the show largely falls with the original scripting.
Needless to say that there were still many positives to talk about for the show. The overall message is one of acceptance, and finding yourself within a world than can be cruel, but rising against it. This was really uplifting, and particularly with the art of drag coming under attack in recent weeks, this musical feels all the more relevant and important for the community. And to see that proceeds help towards the Notts LGBT+ Network, providing a safe space for all those concerned, is such an important charity especially for young people today and wonderful to see change being made.
The audience for the evening absolutely fell in love with Steffi Moore's Lola, constant applause with her entrances and exits. A definite favourite, there is no wonder why! Lola/Simon's character is so refreshing and empowering as she ultimately stays the only character who is true to herself. Along with her Angels, every one of Lola's numbers (particularly Sex Is In The Heel) are real crowd pleasers, and so feel good, a perfect escapism at the theatre. With the Angels representing the world of drag, it was enjoyable to see this area of the queer community celebrated. Accompanying Lola's songs with sultry red lighting really gave an extra oomph to the confidence and scene stealing nature! Cyndi Lauper's music & lyrics maintain a really cohesive link, and flow nicely as the show progresses, honing in on the concepts of performance, and that which goes on behind closed doors.
Kinky Boots, as many people are aware, is a figurehead of the queer musical scene. As a contemporary stage musical which premiered in 2012, it quickly became a favourite amongst fans. To some extent, the celebration of drag queens is glorious for bettering awareness of the profession. Although some of the jokes, albeit few, found themselves to hold damaging views towards the LGBTQ+ community. I appreciate some lines were used in dialogue to confront the ignorance of men such as Don (Cliff Hart) and general Northern attitude, which in fact were powerful in bringing these conversations to light, and how individuals can be educated in embracing identity. Although occasional lines from the script made me feel uncomfortable watching this show, casting very harmful opinions and stereotypes on the transgender community, and those who conform outside of the binary. These are perceived as 'comedic', although I think it is appropriate these should be addressed, as audiences wail with laughter at oversimplified forms of bigotry. Initially, this show would've been a delight to see during Pride Month, but these outdated attitudes are so damaging to a community that the show aims to represent. I really wanted to enjoy this show, but this wouldn't sit right with me, as such a tour de force musical has the potential to be very hurtful.
Although I don't want this to take away from Rachael Rees' direction of the show, with a really talented cast, stunning vocals and a wonderful spirit of coming together. Mark Coffey-Bainbridge as the leading man Charlie really took the show by storm. It'd be a delight to see him in future shows, as he wouldn't be out of place in the West End, incredible vocals and enunciation throughout, and his attention to Charlie's conflicting character was very strong. And I would certainly echo the same with Cathy Hyde portraying Lauren, "The History Of Wrong Guys" between the pair was the highlight of the show for me, Hyde's comedic timing and facial expression was brilliantly funny, worthy of plenty of belly laughs! Her childish nature really makes you smile, and just the reflection of not taking things too seriously. The moments where the whole ensemble came together in unison are certainly the bits I will remember most from this show, where the show felt its strongest in the actors uniting through the music, given to us by an amazing talented live band!
The show is loosely enjoyable in its structure, and some moments were pure joy from Carlton Operatic Society, who overall still produced and put time into a great show. Certainly "Raise You Up" proves a great moment that the audience can all have fun and celebrate queer history, especially with the brilliant costumes, though my review is generally indicative of the scripting, where the form of bigotry (which didn't adhere to the plot, rather comedic quips) immediately made Kinky Boots an overly disappointing show for me. Following a true story, in my opinion, doesn't contain enough heightened plot points to be a truly investing plot, though adjustments to the script could hugely benefit the show, to be a lot more accessible.
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