Kinky Boots- beautiful glitz and glam 🌟🌟🌟🌟1/2 Civic theatre 25 May 2023

With all the discussion we in New Zealand have had regarding trans issues, it seems more relevant than ever for this production to be hitting the stage in Auckland and Wellington. No matter what side of the fence you sit on, you will find something to enjoy in this excellent production put on by G&T productions.

Its the story of a failing shoe business that decides to take a different direction after a chance meeting between Charlie (the reluctantly appointed owner) and Lola. Stewart Adam Mckensy excels as Lola with a wonderful voice and presence onstage. He was worth the price of admission alone and as the lone import, showed his value. I found Nic Kyle as Charlie effective and definitely grew into his role as the evening progressed. Other notable performances came from Nomi Cohens Lauren who has the song of the first half and excellent facials and movement. Patrick Jennings (from Wellington) was great as Don, the factory man who won’t accept people who are a bit different. Big shout out too to the Angels who lifted the show each time they came on. Choreography was slick, direction on point and huge credit to the costume design. The final number exceeded my expectations and just wowed everyone. The story is easy to follow and the songs are fine, but my only criticism is that they are largely unmemorable. A few hours after the show finished I could only remember the tune I’d heard on the radio ads. I’m sure that if you go, you will have a brilliant time and I’d highly recommend you do.