This evening I found myself surrounded once again by the Edwardian splendour of Crewe's Lyceum Theatre, this time to watch the fabulously LGBTQ-friendly all-inclusive Cyndi Lauper hit musical, 'Kinky Boots'. This production was presented by Crewe Amateur Musical Society.
The story is, somewhat incongruously, set in Northampton... perhaps the town's only claim to fame! [please don't write in!!], and we find ourselves at the ficticious Price's Shoe Factory. The factory has been failing for some time, but on the death of his father, Charlie inherits this white elephant unwillingly. He does not want to continue in his father's footsteps (excuse the pun!). However, events overtake themselves when a combination of his genuinely kind heartedness and indicision meets an aging and hardened drag queen purely by chance. This happenstance leads the two of them to go into business together to create a completely new line of sensatinal footwear to take the Milan fashion show by storm.... kinky boots... and in so doing, save the factory from closure, secure the workers' jobs, learn a lot about each other, and find love and respect in ample supply. It's a true feel-good show full of both Northampton down-to-earth no-nonsense grit, and fabulous, glamorous hard-rock-chick-drag-queen glam. There is heart and soul in this show, it is easy to see why it is so popular.
Performing the leading role of Charlie Price, was a very sensitive Sean Clark-Wilkinson, whose voice was able to cope with the rigorous demands of this searing score, and made us all sympathise with the ups and downs of his journey this evening. Playing opposite him was Michael Daws as Simon aka drag queen Lola. Again another very sensitive actor, but starting off this evening a little too big.. perhaps trying to compensate for first night nerves. However, once he found his feet (again, excuse the pun!), the two sparred off each other delightfully, and their scene in the gents' loo was excellently measured.
Chloe Parr played factory worker Lauren, and truly came into her own with 'The History Of Wrong Guys'; a fun character and we enjoyed her attempts at being noticed; whilst plaudits must go to Robert Crabb as the "typical male" employee who, like many in the cast, is changed irrevocably by Lola's presence, playing his role with sincerity and seeming ease.
A whole company of smaller roles, a mixed chorus of drag queen Angels, and yes, of course, lots of very kinky boots completed the line-up. All working well and adding to the tableaux and story. A live band with good sound levels played in the pit, and there was good costuming and lighting throughout.
A highly competent, enjoyable, and fun show, with the message, "accept people for who they are!" .
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 17.4.23
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