Kinky Boots

4.5 out of 5.0 stars4.5

To make a production excellent, you have to make all of it good. The most talented lead in the world is of no use if the band can’t play or the mix is wrong. All the latest tech and effects are pointless if people can’t sing. If the costumes look cheap it detracts from good acting.

But if you get it all right, if you have attention to detail in set, music, acting, tech, dancing, and costumes; if you are well organised and get the stage management right, you move from creating a show to an experience.

With Kinky Boots, the Stray Cats Theatre Company has delivered one such hit that ticks all the boxes. It was the complete package and deserves the serious respect and attention of musical audiences across the city.

This quality-in-every-aspect leaves me asking Director Karen Francis, “How do you do it?”

Why do all the people I go to your shows with say they don’t feel like they’re watching an amateur production?

How do you receive not just polite sympathy from a crowd of friends but loud cheers from a packed house acknowledging genuine talent?

I really would love to see the process because the end result is outstanding.

I am guessing that if I could look behind the scenes, I would see a culture of hard work and commitment, where each person ensures that their job is done with excellence. Stray Cats don’t make excuses; they get it right. Here are the elements, at least from what one sees in the audience, that combined to make this package so outstanding.

Musical director Vanitha Hart has once again gathered a quality orchestra of amazing musicians who were as tight as any West End band. From piano solos to electronic beats, the music was incredibly well done and not to be taken for granted.

Everyone in the large ensemble looked like they were having a good time. As an outsider looking in, it seems that Stray Cats has created a community of encouragement and training that both attracts experience and builds up newer members. The show was cast really well across the whole spectrum of characters. The leads were amazing, and those with other roles popped in and out just right with great acting, timing, and english accents!

Choreography was a real strong point in this production and I loved the large dance numbers. This is what musicals are all about! Songs that make you want to join in, with dancing by a quality company filling the stage. Loved it.

You need catchy tunes and a good story for a musical to go well and Kinky Boots was a good choice as it offers that all important humour, memorable songs and a surprisingly heart-warming and deep story. Its themes include the impact of parents, our priorities in friendships, and judgment and acceptance. Only in the argument between Charlie and Lola did the script (not the production) let itself down. The sudden heat of their exchange was extreme, and irreconcilable with the Charlie in the rest of the show. Yes, in that moment he was stressed and in the wrong, but it was hard to believe he would suddenly become so nasty. Consequently, his apology and claim that he was the “only one who really needed to learn to change his mind” seemed a bit unfair.

Tate Bennett (Charlie) was top-notch whether he was engaged in a reflective monologue, belting out the high notes, or dancing with the company. As the story went on and his character found his feet, so Bennett upped the performance and showed off more of his skills. “He can sing”, was the comment from my singer friend next to me.

Jioji Nawanawa (Lola/Simon) sent the crowd wild right from his first scene and the intensity never dropped. What a star! He made it look natural and easy but I am sure plenty of effort has gone into making it look effortless. I’d seen him in Guys and Dolls earlier this year and if he keeps going on like this, theatre companies will need to start booking him in early to avoid disappointment.

Another highlight, plus audience favourite, was Remy Deleo as Lauren with her uninhibited acting and strong voice. Her character may steal the guy but Deleo stole the show as her character grew in prominence. Seemingly inspired by Alice from The Vicar of Dibley, it was fun to watch her transform from the loveable but dorky factory worker into a true glamour in the end.

Kinky Boots was another incredible show by Stray Cats and all involved should be immensely proud of what they produced. I highly recommend making a trip of it for their next show and heading down to Mandurah.

Grab a meal, go to the show, sing along to the hits on the drive home as you remember how good it was.

And, it’s actually not even that far; you could spend just as long on the trains to the stadium, but at least with Stray Cats you are guaranteed your team will win!