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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson.
Photos by Adele Keith Photography
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Somehow I have never seen Kinky Boots before: the movie or the stage show, although I knew of the story. A man who inherits a shoe factory in decline ends up making boots for transvestites and drag queens. Ladies shoes that can take the weight of a man basically.
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Lyric Musical Society have put on a great version of it: the staging is fabulous, the outfits sublime and glamorous, and the cast are simply wonderful. Unfortunately I felt that the music let them down a bit, none of these songs are still in your head as you leave the theatre and you don’t wake up the next day singing any of the songs. Obviously that’s all down to Cindy Lauper rather than this production, and it certainly did not stop the audience loving it. We were all clapping and cheering, I just did not feel there was that sense of singing along that you get in some shows, or trying hard not to, as we are often asked to now. Maybe its best not to come away with an “earworm” anyway.
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Three members of the cast stood out in particular. Lauren, a factory worker, was played by Rhianne Reid Armstrong who had a formidable stage presence and a fantastic voice. Charlie was played by Joshua Milne and it was amazing to see his transformation from the show maker’s wee boy to his own unique character, looking for a unique market and turning the factory he did not want into a producer of sexy boots! He really came into his own in the second half of the musical and his solo was not to be missed. Lastly was Lola aka Simon who was played by Jordan Abberley-Nicoll. Apparently Jordan is a chemistry teacher by day but on stage, in stunning dresses and vertigo inducing heels its hard to believe its not really a drag queen! He played the part superbly and had a brilliant voice. I felt so sorry for Simon when he told Charlie his story of how he became who he was, he was a much happier person as Lola and thank goodness he was brave enough to be who he wanted to be. None of us should feel stifled from being the person we are comfortable as, especially in today’s inclusive society.
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All things considered, this is a fabulous show for all ladies, gentlemen and those who are yet to make up your mind.
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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