Kinky Boots

Last night Brisbane got to experience Callum Francis’ Helpmann Award Winning performance of Lola when Kinky Boots opened to a thunderous audience reception. And what a performance it was – he strutted, he preened, he wound the audience ‘round his little finger, and sang, danced and acted like a star. Head and shoulders above everyone else on stage, his level of performance is reason enough to see this feel-good musical hit based on a true story about a faltering Northhampton shoe factory who find success manufacturing boots for drag queens. He lifted the show every time he was on stage and raised the excitement level off-the-charts. His Whitney Houston moment “Hold Me In Your Heart” was delivered like a true diva, and his gut-wrenching “Not my Father’s Son” (the best in Cyndi Lauper’s score) was painfully truthful.

Toby Francis as his opposite number Charlie Price just didn’t perform at the same emotional pitch. He’s a likeable Charlie but sometimes his vocals seemed to be on rote. Sophie Wright minted every drop of humour in the cleverly ironic “The History of Wrong Guys” and quickly had the audience on side in her journey to get her hands on Charlie.

Joe Kosky was a perfect fit for the loudmouthed, uncouth and anti-gay Don, Teagan Wouters did what she could with the paper-thin snooty Nicola, whilst Jake Speer’s vocals soared on his duet with Toby Francis in the incisive “Take What You Got”.

The drag queens were given a rousing reception for their high-energy flashy routines in heels. Luke Hunter’s pit work was appropriately loud, especially in the “Raise You Up” finale, with set and costumes carbon copies of the Broadway original.

New feel-good musicals these days are in short supply so it’s good to welcome Cindy Lauper’s infectious confection to the fold. It’s a fun show and this production works a treat.

Peter Pinne   

Photographer: Matthew Murphy