There’s no place like a shoe factory to discover your true identity. And Kinky Boots the Musical, now strutting confidently onto the stage at Oxford’s New Theatre, delivers high-octane entertainment with heart, humour, and just the right amount of sass.
This West End and Broadway hit, based on the 2005 film and featuring a rousing score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, tells the story of Charlie Price, a reluctant factory heir, and Lola, a larger-than-life drag queen who helps him find a niche market, and his courage.
Set in Northampton but exploding with colour, Kinky Boots walks the line between social commentary and showbiz sparkle. The message is simple: accept yourself, accept others, and walk tall.
Standout Performances
Newtion Matthews dazzles as Lola, effortlessly blending bravado and vulnerability. His performance is both commanding and tender, switching from diva to deeply human with finesse. His vocals soar in showstoppers like “Not My Father’s Son” and “Hold Me in Your Heart,” anchoring the show’s emotional core.
Charlie Price, played with sincerity and charm, anchors the narrative. But it’s Lauren, the comedic factory worker with a not-so-secret crush on Charlie, who delivers some of the show’s biggest laughs, and a belting solo number in “The History of Wrong Guys.”
Joe Caffrey, as the gruff factory worker Don, also deserves a mention, particularly in a boxing ring scene that cleverly flips expectations.
Design, Direction & Those Iconic Boots
The set design cleverly transforms the modest shoe factory into a catwalk-worthy Milan fashion show. Costume changes are slick, and the final runway sequence, complete with models strutting in those signature thigh-high red boots, earned a deserved roaring ovation.
From slow-burn emotional moments to sequinned dance numbers, choreographer Leah Hill keeps the energy high and the transitions seamless.
💖 What We Loved
- The Milan fashion show scene is a campy triumph of red boots and catwalk attitude.
- The clever balance of humour and social commentary, from toxic masculinity to LGBTQ+ pride.
- Joe Caffrey’s Don, whose awkward t-shirt moment during a boxing match got big belly laughs from the crowd.
- And of course, “Raise You Up” — the final number that had the audience on their feet.
The Verdict
Uplifting, inclusive, and just the right side of outrageous, Kinky Boots is a feel-good tonic that left the audience grinning ear to ear. Beneath the glamour is a story of compassion, identity, and grit, themes that resonate far beyond the footlights.
With top-tier performances and a message that still feels timely, it’s easy to see why Kinky Boots received a well-earned standing ovation on opening night.
Catch it if you can.
Kinky Boots runs at the New Theatre Oxford until Saturday, 26th July 2025
Book tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/kinky-boots/new-theatre-oxford
