AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Kinky Boots - The Arena, Middleton. Manchester.

Presented by Heywood Amateur Operatic And Dramatic Society at Middleton's Arena, this was actually only the third time I have ever seen this musical. The musical - based on the film and inspired by true events - was written by Harvey Fierstein (book) and, surprisingly for me at least, Cyndi Lauper (music and lyrics), and has become a firm favourite with societies up and down the country, due to its themes and feel-good storyline.

'Kinky Boots' tells the story of Charlie Price, who, through circumstance and a humane conscience, finds himself heading a failing shoe-shop in Northampton. En route to disaster he chances upon Drag Queen, Lola, who is the springboard for his revolutionary idea to save the company and it's workers... thigh-high kinky boots for drag artistes. He loses and finds love along the way, and help, as well as friendships, come from the least likely of sources. 

Opening night this evening got off to a little shaky start, but once the cast found their stride, the show was pacey, emotive, humorous, and heartfelt. 

Jack Forrest was our protagonist, Charlie Price, and his characterisation was well-placed with good stage presence, and a highly sympathetic air. His onstage 'relationship' with Lola was excellently measured. Forrest's singing voice was very much in the style of the 'crooner', and was sweet and melodious when singing the more folky downbeat music, however, he would have benefitted greatly from some training when required to sing the rock styled music (for which Lauper herself was famous). Lola (aka Simon), was portayed this evening by Nick Angus. Pitching his characterisation just perfectly, he shone and impressed as both Lola, and his alter-ego, Simon. The role is a large and hugely demanding one, but Angus was on top form throughout, camping it up with the best when necessary, and in contrast, his scene with Charlie in the company toilets (!), when he sings, 'Not My Father's Son', gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. 

Katie Perkins impressed as Lauren, the rather ditzy factory worker who eventually captures Charlie's heart. It's a pity the score didn't give her more to do, as her solo, 'The History Of Wrong Guys', and her characterisation throughout was perfectly pitched. Highly humorous, but never OTT.  Another impressive actor and credit to the team, came in the form of Alfie Chesney as Don. His brusqueness and pseudo-macho manliness played to the hilt, whilst also showing he was capable of great tenderness and pathos too. I loved his bass voice... I wanted to hear more of that, but again, the score didn't allow.

These four were ameliorated, aided, and abetted by a large cast of smaller principal roles, cameos, six "fabulous" drag queens ('The Angels'), and a chorus. Fitting them all on stage for the large chorus numbers must have been a minor headache for the choreographer! All worked well and added greatly to the overall feel and thread of the story. Katie Fry (choreography), certainly had her work cut out, as there is a lot of dancing involved in the show, but she gave the team moves which were not only appropriate and worked well, but looked good too! Jo Weetman's direction was solid and clear, utilising her set and cast to their best advantages at all times. Musical Direction came from David Abenstern, conducting a 9-piece band at the front of the stage. They created a lovely sound, but a slight criticism that for some songs, especially the more ballad-style ones, and when underscoring dialogue, the sound was too loud. 

With a creative, but not crazy, lighting design, superb costuming, and a talented, enthusiatic, and high energy cast, this proved to be a most proficient and highly entertaining evening, proving that live theatre can be "the most beautiful thing in the world"; and the added extra in this show of course is the reminder to us all about the importance of acceptance. "Just be who you wanna be". 

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 21.6.22