THEATRE: Rotherham Civic - Kinky Boots

And in Rotherham Musical Theatre Company’s stunning production, they might just walk all over you.

Everybody loves Kinky Boots, the smash-hit feel good musical with book by Harvey Fierstein (Torchsong Trilogy, Hairspray!) inspired by a true story and based on the 2005 film, with music by the legendary Cyndi Lauper.

After his father unexpectedly dies, Charlie Price is left wondering how to save father’s failing Northampton shoe factory, Price and Son and the jobs of people he grew up with.

Then he has a life-changing encounter with Lola, a cabaret performer and drag queen who inspires Charlie’s new “niche market”.

The unlikely partnership produce a range of thigh-high, stiletto-heeled “kinky” boots for drag queens to save the business — and find they’ve got more in common than they think.

Immaculately directed and choreographed by Dee Bennie-Marshall, the show’s pace never drops and a superb cast oozes loads of energy and charisma, with colourful costumes and a smart set that works perfectly.

Lauper’s score — the heart and soul of the show — is absolutely fabulous, with musical director Matthew Symonds at the helm, and the songs performed with style and freshness.

Nick Walton is charming as Charlie, with a strong presence and powerful vocals, especially on Soul Of A Man, and able to show a darker side when needed.

But Ben Loy, with echoes of the booming voice of Pose’s Praytell star Billy Porter, who took the original Broadway role, steals it as Lola, a real star turn on Land of Lola and with Charlie on Not My Father’s Son.

Loy is totally convincing as the shy Simon — in contrast to his alter-ego Lola, and shows really great vocals on What A Woman Wants and Hold Me In Your Heart.

Kati (correct) Gill impresses as Charlie's love interest Lauren, with a stand-out moment with her hilarious The History of Wrong Guys, which is full of warmth and wit.

Sam Clarkson convinces as the thuggish Don, the bigot who has a change of heart, while Darren Mann-Saunders is an endearing Harry, with Katie Eyre as Nicola, Donald McInnes as George, Rachel Hirst-Marshall as Trish, Sophie Parkin as Pat, all giving impressive performances.

And there’s excellent support from Nathan Smith as Simon senior, Martin Farthing in the stage manager role, Alfie Houghton as young Charlie and William Pawson as young Lola.

The Angels — Thomas Clarkson, Dillon Batey, Ashley Brooker, Ellie Simmons, Ferne Nodder and Jack Parkinson — are all wonderful, with amazing acrobatics and Drag Race panache.

A fine Ensemble — Claire Hookham Williams, Eleanor Hewitt, Jasmine Richards, Stuart Ogden, Joanne Farthing, Marcus Kamsika, Emma Emmerson, Lauren Gouldsborough and Josh Wilkinson — do a great job, while The Diamonds — Charlotte Wall, Karen Andre, Jemma Bennie, Louise Burrows, Sally Smith and Roma Cartlidge — were all full of life.

The costumes for Lola and the Angels are bright and fun, plus the iconic red boots.

The appeal of such an uplifting story about confronting prejudices, can be seen in the joy of the audience at the end, as it tackles the truth about masculinity with jokes and heartfelt confessions.

There’s also a Cinderella touch — just put on those boots and you can be anything you want. As the song says,\!q Just Be.