Kinky Boots London review: Johannes Radebe shines in a feel-good West End revival

What is Kinky Boots about?

Through the show, we see how a young man, Charlie Price, who initially wants nothing to do with his father’s factory or its legacy of shoemaking, ends up taking on the business with unexpected passion and drive. He is suddenly faced with the challenge of not only saving the factory in the midst of post-industrial decline, but also protecting the jobs of the employees who helped shape his upbringing and who he grew up alongside.

Then enters Lola, a glamorous drag queen full of wit and confidence, who encourages Charlie to see the world in a very different way, challenging his long-held beliefs and confronting rising prejudice along the way. At its heart, Kinky Boots the Musical is a story about acceptance and identity, and about having the courage to stand up proud and defend who you are.

But can Charlie and Lola work out their differences, from deeply rooted stereotypes to embracing change, and make this business venture a success?  

Kinky Boots 2026 revival: star power and dazzling performances

X Factor winner Matt Cardle plays Charlie Price, delivers impressive vocals and a performance that captures the character’s frustration and vulnerability as he struggles under the pressure of saving the family business and stepping into a role he never expected to take on.

But the true star of the show is undoubtedly Johannes Radebe as Lola. The Strictly Come Dancing fan favourite commands the stage with magnetic charisma, explosive energy and genuine passion. While Radebe is better known for his dancing than his singing, his performance feels authentic and heartfelt, fitting perfectly suited to the role.

Backed by the spectacular Angels ensemble, Lola’s world bursts onto the stage in a dazzling display of sequins, feathers and towering heels. Each entrance is bigger and bolder than the last, and Radebe clearly thrives in a role that showcases his magnetic stage presence and exceptional dancing talent.

The showstopping songs that make Kinky Boots a hit

The show comes to life with Cyndi Lauper’s energetic, feel-good songs, which stayed in my head long after the curtain call, requiring all my self-control not to sing along on the way out of the theatre.

Firm favourites include “Everybody Say Yeah”, ending the first part of the show before interval on a high, as well as “Sex Is in the Heel”. And let's not forget the emotionally charged "I'm Not My Father's Son", which brings Lola and Charlie together in ways they could never have imagined. Both are trying to forge their own paths, step out of the shadows of their fathers and take control of their own destiny, with their younger selves standing by their sides.

The musical couldn’t end but with one of the show’s most electrifying song, “Raise You Up”, in a spectacular finale with an extravaganza of sparkles, dazzling outfits, and a full ensemble transformation. From factory workers having had a complete makeover, to Charlie proudly strutting in heels next to a spectacular Lola.

Dazzling costumes and a larger-than-life set

As the curtain rises, we are faced with an almost true-to-size factory floor thanks to the Coliseum’s gigantic stage, complete with its industrial look, factory workers at their stations, and an imposing iron staircase leading up to the upstairs office, which overlooks the factory floor below. The London Coliseum, although hosting only a few musical productions each year, is primarily home to opera and ballet, which explains the sheer scale of its stage and why some productions need to go the extra length to fill the space.

In Kinky Boots, the layering of the factory floor and working space fills this vast stage effectively, grounding the story in a gritty and industrial look before it transforms into something far more flamboyant and theatrical as the show progresses.

Does the Kinky Boots revival live up to the hype?

Although some might argue that the show's approach to storytelling feels slightly dated – after all, the original writing dates back to the '90s – its core message feels relevant today. Despite starkly different backgrounds and lifestyles, factory owner Charlie and drag queen Lola are more alike than they first appear, both battling against the weight of expectation and the pressure to fall in line with their fathers’ wishes. What follows is the build-up of an unlikely friendship, based on acceptance of differences and ultimately leading to strength of character.

Johannes Radebe truly shines as Lola, and while he is best known for his dance moves rather than singing, and certainly not for taking on a lead role in a West End musical, Radebe still takes your breath away in a series of showstopping numbers, looking absolutely fabulous throughout. From unforgettable entrances including rising from beneath the stage in a riot of reds, a panoply of wigs and sparkling feather costumes, to a soundtrack blending high-energy pop and rock, he delivers a performance full of energy that is captivating throughout.

Make sure you catch him on stage before he takes on his new presenting role on Strictly Come Dancing. Book your tickets for Kinky Boots the Musical before it closes on 11 July!

Make most of you visit with a pre-theatre meal at Colonel Saab

Just a few steps from the London Coliseum is Colonel Saab Trafalgar Square, where we headed for a pre-theatre dinner that transported us straight into the world of Kinky Boots through its exclusive themed menu. Known for its lavish interiors and rich, deeply layered flavours, the fine dining Indian restaurant delivers a theatrical experience of its own, bringing vibrant colours and bold flavours to every plate.

Created in celebration of the iconic musical, the dining experience opens with a playful whisky-based cocktail layered with elderflower, pomegranate and raspberry. Depending on which side of the glass you sip from, the flavour shifts between sweet and salty. Each dish is served with an explanation from our waiter, connecting it to the show and the inspiration behind it. The amuse-bouche, “Sex in the Heel”, is a guava cone chaat filled with tamarind chutney and raspberry sauce at the base of the cone to represent the heel of the boot. 

The starter “The Land of Lola” features crisp-coated Calcutta-style zimikand and beetroot chops, served with beetroot murabba and kasundi sauce. For the main course, we chose “Hold Me in Your Heart”, an Andhra-style aubergine curry served in a tangy tamarind sauce alongside rice and naan bread. The dessert is the true showstopper of this menu. Named after the musical’s finale song “Raise You Up”, the pineapple jalebi is served with crisp tuile and pistachio kulfi.

The themed menu feels like the perfect introduction to the show: playful, immersive and full of subtle nods to the story, while also introducing us to exciting new flavours. Better still, with the restaurant only steps away from the Coliseum, so there’s plenty of time to savour the experience before the curtain rises.

More London theatre reviews

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next theatre outing in the West End, why not explore some of the other top shows the team at Visit London have experienced and reviewed? Take your pick from our review of MAMMA MIA! to our behind-the-scenes look at Come Alive!, and don’t forget The Comedy of Spies, returning to London this summer.