LONDON – Kinky Boots, a musical based on a true story about a shoe factory in Northampton, has opened in London’s West End to strong reviews.
The show’s theme gave most critics the opportunity to trot out plenty of puns.
The Guardian said it “puts its best foot forward” while the Mail hailed it as “blistering!”
Already a hit on Broadway, Kinky Boots features songs from pop star Cyndi Lauper who won the 2013 Tony Award for best original score for her work.
Lauper, writer Harvey Fierstein and director Jerry Mitchell joined the cast and producers on stage during a standing ovation at Tuesday’s opening night at the Adelphi Theatre.
Among the famous names in the audience were theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh, TV host Graham Norton, diver Tom Daley and singer Beverley Knight.
The story centres around Charlie Price (Killian Donnelly) who turns his ailing shoe factory into a success by making thigh-high boots after a chance meeting with drag queen Lola (Matt Henry). (BBC)