Kinky Boots - Adelphi

This show wobbled about more than me in a kitten heel. Very uneven! Just as I was sitting there marvelling at how the casting people had somehow managed to create a complete acting vacuum onstage around poor wonderful Killian Donnelly, Lola and her girls appeared. They were fab.

It was up and down from there on in, but by the time they were prancing about on treadmills just before the interval, they'd won me over.

Is it wrong that I want the body of the tallest drag queen? How can a bloke manage to look like Lauren Bacall?!

She was fabulous wasn't she? Perfect poise and that knowing smile all the way through. She made Marcus Collins look like a stumpy old washer woman.

periscope.tv/KinkyBootsBway/1YqJDmWMLzkxV

Amy and Killian answer questions.

Oh dear. Hope it's nothing serious. I guess we'll know depending on who goes on tonight. I wonder if they had to stop the show, or if they changed during the interval.

Hmmm, saw Kinky Boots for the first time this afternoon (fab front row dayseats!) and although there were some great moments, overall my friend and I were less than wowed. Some of the songs were incredible (Step One, Everybody Say Yeah, History of Wrong Guys etc.) but the story just fell flat. It seemed too predictable, and that predictability took away so much of the tension. There was no gut wrenching moment, and the one bit that did strike a cord (nursing home) felt too cheesy to me.

I must say though, having read about Charlie's act two outburst making no sense, I found that it made a lot of sense (although still wasn't justified or forgivable in the moment, of course!). To me it seemed like something said in the spur of a moment, that you are too stubborn/embarrassed to take back because you want to win the argument. He knew, based on their relationship, what would sting the most, and in a moment of anger he used it as a weapon. You could tell he immediately regretted it and for that reason it made sense. Although it still was a moment where you could almost hear the audience booing and hissing, and I totally got that!

Cast was a bit of a mixed bag. I expected to love Matt Henry but felt let down to be honest. I'm convinced it must have been an off day for him given the praise he's received, because really he just came off as too over the top, and not in a good way. So many moments fell flat and it often sounded like he was reading from a script. Very odd. His voice however, was fab. Loved some of the ensemble, Michael Vinson and Chloe Hart stood out, and of course, ALL of the Angels were fantastic. Liked Amy Lennox as Lauren, and History of Wrong Guys was fantastic. As were all of her scenes with Charlie in act 2!

For me though, without a doubt the standout was Paul Ayres as u/s Charlie. As a fan of Killian I was looking forward to seeing him, but he was still off after the accident a few nights before. Some fans in the dayseat queue warned that Paul wasn't as likable, but I couldn't agree less. I honesty can't imagine the role being played any better. I loved everything, his characterization, his likability, his moments of comedy which felt natural, his chemistry with every other character, and mostly his voice which was faultless and just overall pleasing to listen too. Looking at his bio I'm surprised I've not seen him anywhere else but I'd definitely be interested in seeing him elsewhere based on this vocal performance along. I'm surprised by how rant-y this post is, but really, he was fantastic!

Sadly though, I don't think I'd see this show again unless someone I really loved were to go into the cast. It was, in my opinion, just okay. Such a shame.

That being said, I would be interested in a UK cast album. Any news on if that's happening? I've lost track! 

I think I saw someone teasing him on Twitter recently about 'manflu', so that sounds likely. 'Tis the season...

Won the mobile lottery on my first ever attempt for this afternoon's matinee, so looking forward to seeing what this is all about.

Dayseated yesterday for the matinee. Arrived at 8:30am and was 6 (though some were pairs) in the queue. I ended up being the 3rd to buy matinee tickets so was to the left of the stage. For me I preferred being that side of the stage opposed to the lottery seats where I have previously sat.
All the leads were on, there was no Marcus Collins and understudy for George was also on. It's half term but for a Wednesday matinee it was packed, though there was obviously a few large coach parties in as well. The audience absolutely lapped it up and were very responsive, a full standing ovation at the end and in my mind rightly so....
It was my third time and have always praised Matt Henry however I don't know what was going on yesterday as he was on a complete other level. His voice was sensational and completely blew the performance out of the water. A few goosebumps moments which I have never experienced before. Killian gave a solid performance as always and his solos were perfection. Still not convinced by some of his acting choices and I would certainly be interested to see his understudy. Rest of the class were great and I really sensed that they love the show and there is a great buzz from them. Have thought Any Lennox has always been great but not always possibly understood the mass accolade that she has received. But yesterday I completely understand why, she is perfection in the role.
Having listened to the Broadway cast recording all morning I just really hope there is a UK cast recording which I know has been spoken about. The Broadway soundtrack really doesn't give the show justice!
I think this will stick around for a while and rightly so. Another great afternoon at the Adelphi!

Interesting - I'm genuinely curious what you didn't like?


As a shy person myself, I'm more than used to being ignored in day-to-day life! So I thought Killian Donnelly did a great job somehow portraying a believably reserved character while still retaining stage presence.

To be honest I just can't put my finger on it. There is no doubt his singing is fantastic and love his "Soul of a man". I think it's just some his line delivery and lacks sincerity especially when he loses his temper at the workers. To be honest yesterday was the first time I really noticed it.

I know I raved about his understudy a page or two ago, but he really was very very good. My sister wants to see the show and I'm suggesting that she goes during one of Killian's holiday dates. I've loved Killian previously but thought when he was announced that he's not who I'd have picked. Still, maybe I'll return too see him if he stays on for a while... I've no desire to rush back having found the show only okay.