Calling all StageSider’s, welcome back to another review here at the Price and Sons factory. Gather round, as we share a few words of encouragement. Our review of Kinky Boots is about to begin!
We saw Kinky Boots, presented by York Stage LTD at the Grand Opera House York, on Saturday 17th of October. Featuring all of those well known Kinky Boots songs, this musical gives you everything you need from a feel good musical!
Walking into the show, I will admit, I was expecting a really stripped back minimalist show with one set painted on a curtain and some basic props. York Stage did not give us that, they gave us a full set, choreography, costumes, props and special effects. A brilliant example of why we should support local theatre companies and groups.
The first couple of numbers lacked energy, from the price and sons theme up to land of lola. Half way through Land Of Lola we saw a huge increase in energy. The cast seemed to be having fun, and that made us have fun too. Seeing a cast walk through a show isn’t the greatest, but seeing them leap, split and sashay through, now that is fun.
Kinky Boots is a story, based on real events, about a shoe factory that is close to bankruptcy. Based on the film, Kinky Boots, this musical has some added life injected into it by Cyndi Lauper, who wrote the music. The story is just as touching and the music really provides that added emotional element, from near crying to party vibes. The cast of Kinky Boots took that energy and ran with it from Land Of Lola on wards and right through the second half. It was great to see the whole cast pace themselves and make it all the way through with some great choreography and some great vocals.
I want to give a particularly huge shout out to Lola, Samuel Lewis, who vocally and comedically blew us away. Giving us everything we wanted from the role! The choreography may not have been the most challenging or visually appealing but Samuel Lewis did it, while belting out those high notes and wearing heels. If that isn’t talent, I don’t know what is!
And another shout out to Amy Barrett who plays Lauren. A stunning portrayal of such an iconic character and a great amount of energy brought to the stage. In those moments where there may have been a slip, the next belted note was done bigger, bolder and better than the last. A stunning vocalist and really great acting. Always reacting and interacting, without stealing the show.
The whole cast of Kinky Boots is talented and have done a really great job with the show. I would say the choreography seems a bit simple and in some areas sloppy and it is not because the performers are out of time or anything. I think it just looks a bit, school production. During certain songs the angels are doing interpretive dance, distracting you from the scene itself. The ensemble dances are sometimes side steps and claps. It just feels like all of the energy in the songs wasn’t reflected through the choreography. The dances that did work were great, but there were a couple of noticeable moments when I thought the movement in the scenes was basic and vague.
Now onto the ratings!
Entertainment:
This show takes you through a range of emotions, from almost crying to laughing and dancing in your seat. The whole cast do a great job with most of the movement scenes, acting is great and the vocals were completely unexpected. A really well put together plot, even with the lyric changes and the scenes that may have been edited etc. A great effort and a great evening in the theatre. I give it 4 stars.
Value for money
I think this show does give you value for money, but I do think it is also a bit pricey. With our restricted view seats costing £24 each, this show is on the pricey side. However, for £24 we got our money’s worth and had a great time at the theatre. I give it 4 stars!
Accessibility
It is loud, proud and in colour with lots of sequins, noises, interaction and some really great powerful music. I think this could affect some people and there was no warning aout the use of Haze, flashing lights or anything like that and they did feature quite a bit, so just be careful if these affect you. Again we ask ATG and theatre companies up and down the country, please make audiences aware of any sensory triggers because it could end up in a very serious situation!
Overall
The drama, the comedy and the well placed sequins make this show what it is, great! I challenge you to leave the show feeling drained or bored, I don’t think it is possible! A great night at the theatre and a great show! Four out of five stars for York StageLTD’s production of Kinky Boots!
Have your say!
Have you seen Kinky Boots by York Stage? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show. We need to remember that these are people with feelings. Let’s treat them with respect. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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