For an evening of fabulous entertainment celebrating individuality and creativity - with a helping of love and heartache thrown into the mix,  a visit to the Regent Theatre in the Potteries this week is an absolute must. Kinky Boots the musical has arrived in town and what a phenomenal show it is.

The award-winning musical is based on a true story about a provincial struggling shoe factory and is adapted from Harvey Fierstein's book, which was subsequently made into a movie.
The touring show follows a sell out Broadway and West End run and is packed with glamour, energy and sassiness as audiences are taken on a rollercoaster journey that pulls on the heart strings. Featuring a vibrant score penned by Cyndi Lauper, an engaging narrative, and marvellous choreography, Kinky Boots has it all.

Tosh Wanogho-Maud (of Bridgerton fame) is wonderfully cast as Lola - the larger than life drag performer who has a randon encounter with frazzled factory owner Charlie Price, played by Dan Partridge (of Addams Family fame), whilst getting beat up in the street.  An unusual but life-affirming alliance is formed between the two which changes both of their lives forever. 
Price is desperate to keep the factory he has inherited from his father afloat and save jobs - at the same time navigate a relationship with his demanding girlfriend. Meanwhile, Lola and her gorgeous drag artists friends are in need of shoes that fit, and don’t collapse on them. Price and Lola soon realise the potential benefits of their alliance.

The onstage chemistry between the two leads is electric and the whole cast gel seamlessly. Courtney Bowman is exceptional in her role as Charlie's girlfriend, Lauren, bringing heaps of humour and lots of impudent yet wise rhetoric to her role. Another stand out performance comes from Scott Paige who plays George. Paige is engaging and funny yet serious when he's required to be. 

The sets and costumes are sublime and the show is packed with glamour, chutzpah, raw emotion, fabulous frivolity, and a wonderful overriding message of inclusivity. 
Catch it while you can!

Five stars

Reviewed by Carol Lovatt at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent on Wednesday 26 November. Kinky Boots continues to show at the venue until Sunday 30 November.