Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots
The Coliseum (West End)
Review Complete
“A high-heeled triumph of heart and soul.”
31st March 2026
If you are looking for a show that perfectly balances dazzling spectacle with genuine emotional depth, Kinky Boots at the largest stage in London, the Coliseum is an absolute must-watch. This production takes the beloved story of Charlie Price and Lola to new heights, filling the grand stage of the Coliseum with infectious energy, world-class choreography, and a message that resonates long after the final curtain call. Based on the book by Harvey Fierstein.
From the opening notes of Cyndi Lauper’s Tony-winning score, it is clear that this is a high-octane celebration. The music is a masterful blend of pop-rock anthems and soul-stirring ballads, performed by an orchestra that sounds magnificent in the Coliseum’s storied acoustic space. "Land of Lola" is an early showstopper that sets the bar high, while "Raise You Up / Just Be" provides a finale so euphoric that the entire audience was on its feet.
The performances are nothing short of stellar. Lola (Johannes Radner) commands the stage with a blend of fierce charisma and touching vulnerability, navigating the complexities of the character with ease. Opposite Lola, the portrayal of Charlie Price (Matt Cardle) offers a grounded, relatable journey from a reluctant heir to a man finding his own purpose. The chemistry between the leads is the heartbeat of the show, making the central theme of "accepting someone for who they are" feel incredibly personal.
Visually, the production is a feast. The costumes are spectacular—particularly the iconic red boots, which are works of art in themselves. The choreography by Leah Mills remains as sharp and inventive as ever, especially the innovative use of set and props during "Everybody Say Yeah.
What sets Kinky Boots apart is its massive heart. Beneath the glitter and the towering heels lies a powerful story about family expectations, friendship, and the courage to change your mind. It manages to be riotously funny one moment and deeply moving the next without ever losing its stride.
The London Coliseum provides a magnificent backdrop for this "big" musical. The scale of the venue matches the ambition of the show, making the experience feel like a true theatrical event. Whether you are a long-time fan or seeing it for the first time, this production of Kinky Boots is a reminder of the joy of live theatre. It is fabulous, fierce, and fundamentally human. Don't miss it! Don’t be that “If only” person.
Cast:
Johannes Radebe as Lola and Matt Cardle as Charlie Price with Tosh Wanagho-Maud as Alternate Lola, Courtney Bowman as Lauren, Billie-Kay as Nicola, Billy Roberts as Don, Rachel Izen as Pat, Jessica Daley as Trish, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Mr Price, Scott Paige as George and Liam Doyle as Harry. The cast is completed by Andy Barke, Kathryn Barnes, Cerys Burton, Kaya Farrugia, Nay-Nay, Keith Alexander, Nathan Daly, Kofi Dennis, Ru Fisher, Darnell Mathew-James, Liam McEvoy, Ashley-Jordon Packer, Cole Dunn, Annell Odartey, Jordan Isaac and Tori McDougall. The young company includes Sean Garcia Madiba, Noah Ronkainen Phillips and Rio-Blake Power as Young Lola and Archie John Allen, Joshua Beswick, Louis Cohen and Callum George as Young Charlie.
Photography: Matt Crockett
We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.