As a brand-new tour of Kinky Boots struts its way around the UK and Ireland, playing drag queen Lola is a dream come true for Newtion Matthews. A big fan of the character, he says:
"For people who haven't yet met the fabulous being that is Lola, she is a sex kitten, a fighter, unapologetically Black and unapologetically queer. She's fantastic."
The Legacy of Kinky Boots
With a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 film of the same name (which was inspired by a true story). The musical debuted on Broadway in 2013 before opening in the West End in 2015. The Tony, Olivier, and Grammy-winning show has toured internationally, including Canada, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
The new UK and Ireland tour, produced by ROYO and Curve, is a Made at Curve production directed by Nikolai Foster. The story follows Charlie Price, who inherits his family's failing shoe factory in Northampton. His fortunes change when he meets Lola, whose sparkle, sass, and unsteady heels might just be the key to saving the business.
The show has won multiple accolades, including Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Original Score for Cyndi Lauper, and Best Actor in a Musical for Billy Porter as Lola. In the West End, Matt Henry won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Lola.
Newtion Matthews: Following in Big Footsteps
Stepping into the role of Lola, Matthews acknowledges the legacy of Billy Porter and Matt Henry:
"Even though we have never crossed paths, I consider Billy Porter to be my auntie in life, and Matt Henry is my industry brother. My first job out of drama school was with Matt at Shakespeare's Globe, so I've known him for years and watched him grace the West End as Lola."
Matthews’ theatre credits include Once on This Island, Get Up Stand Up, and Camelot in Concert. This is his first time performing in Kinky Boots, but he has always aspired to play Lola:
"I always put the manifestation out there of being Lola. I would be lying if I said it wasn't daunting, but it's far more exciting to get into the meat and gristle and the guts and glory of it all."
Walking in Lola’s Shoes
How is he finding the high heels? Matthews smiles:
"I've had a few moments walking in heels before Kinky Boots, including as a dancer. Now it's about strengthening the ankles and doing the exercises so that I can really stomp it out."
Beyond the physical challenge, the role has a deep personal connection for him:
"I know all about being the queer child who wasn't always embraced and accepted, who then grew into a teenager and a man who still wasn’t always embraced and accepted. At this chapter in my life, it's about understanding that acceptance has to come from yourself first."
The key message of Kinky Boots, he says, is: "Be unafraid to be unapologetic, and if you're an ally, be unafraid to be supportive. We need to stop judging and learn to accept each other."
Dan Partridge as Charlie Price
Dan Partridge plays Charlie Price and was drawn to the show’s exploration of masculinity:
"The main thing that drew me to it was the unpacking of masculine identities. It's something I’m personally passionate about—the way men communicate and identify within a community."
Charlie is a working-class man whose worldview shifts after meeting Lola. Partridge explains:
"You have these two polar opposite characters, and you see how their worlds can cross and how they, and indeed we, can learn from one another."
Partridge has previously worked with director Nikolai Foster on Evita and Grease and appreciates his collaborative approach:
"Nikolai allows you to create alongside him, rather than just telling you what to do. We’re building something together."
As for Charlie’s journey, Partridge describes him as a complicated character:
"When we meet him, he doesn’t think highly of himself. He’s small-town-minded but learns to open his mind and heart. Once he meets Lola, his world is turned upside down."
Courtney Bowman as Lauren
Factory worker Lauren, who has a crush on Charlie, is played by Courtney Bowman. She describes Lauren as:
"Really relatable, especially for people who've had tragic love lives. She’s a fun, working-class girl—a bit weird at times, awkward and quirky."
Bowman, who won a WhatsOnStage Award for Legally Blonde, has starred in Pretty Woman, Six, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. She previously played Lauren in a concert version of Kinky Boots:
"That was a bit crazy—we had just a week to put it together! Now, getting to spend more time with Lauren is great because I can really sink my teeth into the role."
She believes Kinky Boots resonates because of its heart and grit:
"Cyndi's music and lyrics are fantastic, and Harvey’s book is full of depth. The show tackles prejudice and homophobia, but it's also about family and acceptance. Everyone has a pair of 'boots' they’re dealing with, whether literally or metaphorically."
Choreographer Leah Hill on Bringing Movement to Life
Choreographer Leah Hill was drawn to Kinky Boots for its story, music, and message:
"It’s a clever show that challenges audiences to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, race, and different communities and cultures. Theatre is a platform to start conversations."
Hill, who won at the Black British Theatre Awards for The Wiz, has worked on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and the films Wicked and Aladdin.
"The challenge with Kinky Boots is that the original was beautifully done. But I get to make it bespoke for the actors I'm working with, and Nikolai’s approach is more visceral. We’re creating a new take, with different movement languages for different communities of people."
A Show with a Powerful Message
Set in the mid-2000s, Kinky Boots predates the mainstream popularity of drag brought by RuPaul’s Drag Race.
"Back then, the stakes for drag performers were higher—it was more dangerous for these communities to perform. I want to pay homage to that. Drag has evolved beautifully, but it's important to show where it started."
Hill emphasizes the importance of the music:
"Cyndi’s score is gorgeous and exciting. It’s a feel-good show, but we want audiences to really listen to the lyrics. Through movement, I hope to heighten their impact."
With its powerful message of acceptance, Kinky Boots continues to captivate audiences worldwide, bringing its heart, humour, and dazzling heels to a new generation.
Syndicate Interview provided by Leeds Grand Theatre
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