Kinky Boots

The WA Premiere of Kinky Boots played to capacity houses. Not the luckiest of shows, opening night was cancelled due to a power outage, with a further show added on the final day, but this huge production was worth the wait, with audiences loving this big, bold and bright presentation.

With a cast of over 70, this show certainly didn’t stint on cast members, with lots of employees of the shoe factory at the centre of the story, working hard both as characters and performers. Lola’s octet of angels were played with verve and enthusiasm by Hunter Perry, Alex White, Brandan Halsey, Jess Angus, Bailey Bridgman-Peters, Rigel Gio Medequiso Paciente, Matthias Zver and Jem Raven Carinan.

Lovely work and great camaraderie from leading lads, Braeden Gruer, a forthright and likeable Charlie, and Jioji Nawanawa, as a vivacious, gorgeously voiced Lola. Harry Stacey charms as foreman George, with solid performances from Sky Kettle and Joanna Wilson-Smale as employees Pat and Trish. Thomas Hennessey crafts a great character journey as Don, with likeable performances from love interests, Lisa Taylor, an impressively voiced Lauren and Emily Lambert, a nicely portrayed Nicola.

Nathaniel Nawanawa made an impressive stage debut as young Lola, with Angus Thomson excellent in his too brief appearance as Young Charlie. Andy Vernie and Jon Lambert made memorable cameos as their fathers.

The multi-level set by Bronwyn White and Karen Francis served the production well, with projections by Alan White adding atmosphere. Karen Francis and Nick John Morant’s lighting included some bold choices, but occasionally in this big theatre ‘more light’ might have been helpful, especially during Lola and Charlie’s beautiful duet, “Not My Father’s Son”. Microphones were misbehaving at the Saturday evening performance, a shame given the high production values of the show.

Musical Director Vanitha Hart led a very strong eleven piece ensemble, a wonderful support to strong vocals throughout.

In a great show of community theatre spirit it was a joy to spot a busload of cast and crew from Limelight’s Kinky Boots, due to open next week. Stray Cats’ Kinky Boots had a lovely buzz and the audience was clearly having a wonderful time. A quality production from a busy theatre group whose next production, Peter Pan opens later this month.

Kimberley Shaw