This is our review of Kinky Boots at Chester‘s Storyhouse!
Synopsis Of Kinky Boots
Storyhouse Originals presents Kinky Boots, based on the hit Broadway Tony and Grammy-winning musical. After reluctantly inheriting his father’s shoe company, Charlie Price is faced with an ultimatum: give up his father’s legacy or take a risk to keep the business afloat. But maybe Charlie’s questions are about to be answered by a drag queen on the search for sturdy stilettos…
Starring Danny Becker as Charlie, Duane-Lamonte as Lola, Leah Vassell as Lauren, Gareth Cassidy as George, Phil Corbitt as Mr Price, Rachael Garnett as Multi-roles, Lynwen Haf Roberts as Pat, Kaitlin Howard as Trish, James Ifan as Multi-roles, Sebastian Lim-Seet as Harry, Roddy Lynch as Don, Seren Sandham-Davies as Nicola, and James Lowrie, Thomas Sankey, and Remi Martin as Angel.
Analysis Of Kinky Boots
Storyhouse certainly pulled out all the stops for this fabulous production. High notes and glitter aplenty, audiences were thrown into the world of Lola and Charlie Price with a bang on press night. It’s unfortunate that the staging isn’t completely suited to the crescent-shaped auditorium in Storyhouse. Some moments are missed by audience members seated at the side of the stage as they cannot see what the actors are presenting to the central seats. I was seated just off the centre and was still unable to see the reveal of the first kinky boots in act one. Most actors double as musicians on stage, playing instruments while acting.
Though this does offer a spectacle, not every note hits and some performers play out of key and time at various occasions. This could be down to overwhelming multitasking, but the mixing of the music also isn’t up to scratch. Hopefully, as the show continues its run, the technicians can fix these imperfections. Despite these sound issues, the vocals and overall performance is wonderful. Duane-Lamonte O’Garro is a fabulous Lola. His range is incredible and he draws your eye every time he’s on stage – including the less glamorous number “Not My Father’s Son”.
Performance
Another mind-blowing performance was given by Leah Vassell, whose place is undoubtedly on the stage. Her performance of Lauren is incredibly funny. Every note is sung perfectly and she fills the stage without any backing necessary. As the show reached its climax, the audience were ushered out into the foyer for an interactive finale. And it was Milan Fashion show style! This was a little disjointed and took away from the momentum built in act two. But the actors wasted no time in showcasing their talent and bringing the audience back into the moment.
Summary Of Kinky Boots
In closing, this is a wonderfully creative production. The movement from auditorium to foyer isn’t fully accessible for all audience members. But Storyhouse succeeds in creating a musical full of passion and heart.
