REVIEW - KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL | LIVERPOOL EMPIRE | 09/07/2025

High Heels and High Spirits – Kinky Boots The Musical Delivers

It’s hard to believe this glitter-soaked, heart-pounding, stiletto-strutting show started life as a 2005 British film. Kinky Boots, inspired by real-life events, tells the unlikely but uplifting story of a struggling Northampton shoe factory that finds salvation in a fabulous niche market: boots designed for drag queens. With a book by Harvey Fierstein and songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots The Musical became a Broadway and West End smash, scooping up Tony, Olivier and Grammy Awards along the way.

Now on a UK tour, this bold and joyful production has arrived at the Liverpool Empire. Directed by Curve’s Nikolai Foster, it’s a slick revival with style, swagger and just the right amount of sparkle. We attended a matinee performance, with alternate Newton Matthews stepping into the iconic heels of Lola – and what a star turn it was.

At the heart of Kinky Boots lies a tale of unexpected friendship and self-acceptance. Charlie Price (Dan Partridge), a young man with little passion for his inherited family shoe factory, is floundering in both life and love when a chance encounter with drag queen Lola (Newton Matthews) opens a new door – or perhaps heel-high runway – of possibility.

Teaming up with Lola to create a line of sturdy yet stylish heels for performers, Charlie sets out to save the factory and redefine his own path. But the journey is not without conflict. Traditional values clash with modern identity, dreams are tested, and both men must confront the shadows of their fathers' expectations. It's a story that balances humour and heart, glitter and grit, and ultimately leaves you feeling uplifted.

The set design cleverly transforms the industrial gloom of a failing shoe factory into a catwalk of colour and confidence. Robert Jones’ factory interior is all steel beams and conveyor belts, but it seamlessly transitions into Lola’s dazzling nightclub dressing room with some theatrical sleight of hand – and a splash of neon. The final reveal in Milan is pure theatrical magic.

Ben Cracknell’s lighting design lifts every scene, from the warm nostalgic glow of father-son moments to the electric dazzle of the drag numbers. And the costumes? Simply glorious. Lola and her Angels bring a burst of sequins, feathers and showgirl glamour that’s impossible not to grin at.

Cyndi Lauper’s score may not be the most memorable in musical theatre history, but it serves the show well. High-octane ensemble numbers like “Everybody Say Yeah” and “Raise You Up” bring serious energy, while ballads such as “Not My Father’s Son” and “Soul of a Man” allow the emotional beats to land.

Dan Partridge delivers a layered and heartfelt Charlie. His vocal power is matched by an emotional vulnerability that makes his transformation throughout the show feel earned and believable. His rendition of “Soul of a Man” was a real highlight, packed with frustration, confusion and longing.

As the alternate Lola, Newton Matthews was an absolute revelation. Stepping into a role usually filled by Strictly star Johannes Radebe, Matthews proved more than capable of carrying the show. With charisma, humour and emotional honesty, he portrayed Lola’s resilience and sass with ease – and danced up a storm to boot. His “Hold Me in Your Heart” was truly moving.

Courtney Bowman lit up the stage as Lauren, the quirky, lovable factory worker with a crush on Charlie. Her comic timing was flawless, and “The History of Wrong Guys” had the audience howling with laughter. Kara Lily Hayworth played Nicola with just the right amount of icy ambition, while Joe Caffrey brought nuance to Don – managing to turn a seemingly stubborn antagonist into someone you quietly root for by the end.

Special mentions must go to Scott Paige, hilarious as the affable George, and the sensational young performers Leo Hollingsworth and Sekhani Dumezweni, whose appearances as young Charlie and young Lola added emotional resonance and a clever through-line to the story.

Kinky Boots is a feel-good hit bursting with heart, humour and high-heeled attitude. The music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper remain a total highlight—infectiously catchy, powerful, and packed with personality. “Raise You Up,” “Not My Father’s Son” and “Sex is in the Heel” are still as toe-tapping and tear-jerking as ever, and had me humming long after the curtain came down.

This isn’t a show about flashy spectacle—it’s about love, identity, and learning to walk tall in your own shoes. The production values are solid and serve the story well, with some great visual moments along the way. With a strong cast, a score that soars, and a timely message about acceptance, Kinky Boots steps up and delivers a joyful, empowering night at the theatre.

“Kinky Boots struts its stuff and raises the roof – a joyous reminder that the right pair of heels really can change your life.”

Kinky Boots is at Liverpool Empire until Saturday 12th July 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Johan Persson