Broadway’s hit musical Kinky Boots opened at London’s Adelphi Theatre last night, having already won a lot of praise from audiences who have already seen it in the previews – what about the critics? Here is a round up of the reviews so far:
The Guardian : Michael Billington said: ” it won me over through the quality of the lead performances, the verve of its staging and its conviction, in its fetishistic worship of thigh-high boots, that there’s no business like shoe business.” (four stars)
The Telegraph: Dominic Cavendish felt: “It may at times look as colourful as a pride carnival parade, but you can hear the creak of the production-line.” (two stars)
The Daily Mail: Quentin Letts commented: “the whole thing canters along with engaging verve and vim, once a dull opening 15 minutes first quarter is done.” (four stars)
London Theatre Guide: Mark Shenton praised the cast saying that as well as Matt Henry and Killian Donnelly: ” They’re joined by a terrific hard-working ensemble that bring this show to gleaming, authentic life and exhilarating fun.” (four stars)
The Independent: Paul Taylor felt that: “It’s dynamic and good fun, but just a bit too formulaic to induce rapture” (3 stars)
Digital Spy: Tom Eames believes that: “Kinky Boots is hilarious, heartwarming and a hell of a lot of fun.” (five stars)
Whatsonstage: Michael Coveney said: “The Broadway import with songs by Cyndi Lauper is a riotous take on the 2005 film” (four stars)
The Stage: Mark Shenton: “Jerry Mitchell marshals it all with smooth efficiency, and drives it with sexy, sassy class”.
Featuring songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and directed by Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots celebrates friendship and the belief that you can change the world – if you change your mind.
Charlie Price (Killian Donnelly) is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue to run the family business -Price & Son. With the shoe factory’s future uncertain, help arrives in the form of Lola (Matt Henry) – a performer in the need of new and fabulous high heels.
Inspired by true events, the story was first brought to life in the 2005 film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lola before heading to Broadway.
Kinky Boots is showing at the Adelphi Theatre and is currently booking until 6th February 2016.