Review: Why is Kinky Boots an unmissable global story for 2026?
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The long-awaited return of Kinky Boots is officially here! On Sunday, 29 March, the London Coliseum was transformed into a glamorous red carpet for a special gala night partnering with @WaterAid.
From a small shoe factory in Northampton to an audience buzzing with excitement, you could feel the energy everywhere. Being at the Coliseum felt like the absolute place to be, with a perfect mix of live music and an electric atmosphere where everyone was ready to dive into the story.
Photo taken by Matt Crockett
The Cast: Johannes and Courtney
The casting for this production is a total dream. Courtney Bowman was honestly stunning; her vocal control is out of this world, and she has that rare stage presence that just pulls the entire audience in.
Johannes Radebe was absolutely incredible in a role that is so demanding both physically and emotionally. His performance was outstanding, and seeing him get visibly moved during the bows was a beautiful, raw moment. Plus, the professional chemistry between Johannes and Matt Cardle felt so genuine, it’s that kind of connection that makes the emotional stakes of the ending hit even harder
A brilliant cast, including Tosh Wanogho-Maud as alternate Lola, Billie-Kay as Nicola, Billy Roberts as Don, Rachel Izen as Pat, Jessica Daley as Trish, and Scott Paige as George. I also have to mention the incredible Angels: Nay-Nay (also as Simon Sr), Keith Alexander, Nathan Daly, Kofi Dennis,
Ru Fisher, Darnell Matthew-James, Liam McEvoy, Ashley-Jordon Packer, and Cole Dunn.
The team is completed by Annell Odartey, Jordan Isaac, and Tori McDougall.
The Story: More than just shoes
The show opens with young Charlie and Simon trying to find their way, but the energy really shifts when we meet (present) Charlie. He’s desperate to save his father’s failing shoe factory, and then he meets Lola, a sparkling drag queen. Can they work together and find a solution to save the factory?
But honestly, the show is about so much more than footwear. It is a story of two people from completely different worlds discovering they struggle with the same thing: the pressure of trying to make their fathers proud. It sends such an important message about acceptance and embracing people for exactly who they are, proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can truly change the world.
Photo taken by Matt Crockett
The Queens & The Vibe
Kinky Boots isn’t your typical musical; it puts inclusivity first. The show is all about fashion and the power of being yourself. The drag queens, The Angels, were spectacular! Every time they come on stage, they bring a total "wow" factor. The staging isn’t about constant, massive set changes; instead, they use smaller props and clever transitions. For example, the lighting is incredibly effective at making the vast hall feel either massive or intimate. The coolest part for me was the shoes hanging above the stage; it really makes you feel like you are in a functional factory before that amazing final transition from the industrial world to the sparkle of the catwalk.
Final thoughts
It’s a powerful, impressive story that really stays with you. It’s all about how changing your mind can actually change the world—which is exactly what we need right now. With an outstanding cast and high-energy music, it is a total must-see!
Playing for a limited run at the London Coliseum (17 weeks only from 17 March 2026 to 11 July 2026. Tickets are on sale now.)
