Kinky Boots strutted into Manchester last night (bet I’m the only reviewer witty enough to come up with an opening line that original) and in doing so encapsulated an audience with its inspiring message.
I want to preface this review by stating that up until last night, I knew next to nothing about Kinky Boots.
Admittedly, even as a born and raised theatre kid, there will always be the odd musical that manages to slip through the cracks and elude me, much like a cinephile who’s never seen Jaws and, shamefully, Kinky Boots is my Jaws. Until now.
This actually gave me a huge sense of excitement going into the press night for the all-new production of Kinky Boots.
It’s very rare that I review a show that I’m not comparing to some form of source material, a different production that I’d already seen, the movie adaptation, the original cast recording, etc.
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So, to sit down last night at 7:29 absolutely clueless about what was set to unfold in front of me, was a genuine breath of fresh air.
Kinky Boots is set between the towns of Northampton, London and climatically, Milan. The story follows two lead characters Charlie Price, a Northampton boy who begins the show having just inherited his late father’s shoe manufacturing business.
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It’s a fate he’s been trying to run from since his childhood and Lola/Simon, a fierce and powerful drag queen who uses their dress sense and divaesque attitude as a shield from the outside world that wishes to, ironically, drag her down
The two collide when Charlie is inspired to save his late father’s failing business by exchanging the manufacturing of boring brogues for fabulous ‘kinky boots’ that can be fabulous, whilst fully supporting the weight of any drag queen.
His energy has dropped one iota from rehearsals to the tour. (Credit: Press Images)
Johannes Radebe – best known for being one of the professionals on Strictly Come Dancing – was nothing short of absolutely breathtaking as Lola.
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I’ll be honest, celebrity castings generally put me off shows more than attract me to them; in some cases, they can feel like desperate pleas to get bums in seats (which given the current state of arts within the UK, production companies can hardly be blamed for).
However, Johannes genuinely seems born to play this role. I was expecting his dancing to be well… professional but I was intrigued to see how his vocals and acting would compare and boy, oh boy, did they compare. He didn’t miss a beat.
His acting was fierce and powerful, just as his character demanded whilst also showing real vulnerability and humility. In terms of individual performances, it’s one of the best I’ve seen at Manchester’s Palace Theatre for a long while.
The supporting cast was just as fabulous, with special shoutouts to Courtney Bowman who played the adorably loveable Lauren, whilst delivering serious powerhouse vocals and to Scott Paige who played George.
You could see through Scott’s performance a real sense of pride and shared experience with the story plus his comedic timing was absolutely impeccable, I hope to see more of him in the future.
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Kinky Boots boasts a strong supporting cast all-round (Credit: Supplied via Palace Theatre Manchester).
With a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by the legendary Cyndi Lauper, I must admit it’s Harvey who carries the weight in this production.
Whilst catchy enough to tap your feet to, I didn’t leave the theatre with so much as an earworm from Cyndi’s musical offering, however, the heart and passion of the story is something I think everyone should look to experience.
Kinky Boots is about accepting people for who they are instead of seeking to change them and this show does a fantastic job of encapsulating that message, not only from the standpoint of the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone.
The show implores people to accept everyone from the fiercest drag queen to the most bullish, typical ‘blokes’ out there and the way each of those groups manages to come together by the end of the production is a testament to what can happen if we all embrace each other with open arms.
Kinky Boots is only in Manchester until Saturday (8 February), so please, get tickets if you can and go and see this fabulous show. You can grab yours HERE. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get to see a living legend in the flesh like we did…
Featured Images — Press Images (supplied via Palace Theatre and Opera House Manchester)
Theatre
Review | The Karate Kid at Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester – very much wax ON
Lonnie Bowes
The theatrical version of The Karate Kid has arrived at the Palace Theatre and Opera House, bringing a well-known story of discipline, resilience and mentorship to a live audience.
Best known for its iconic cinematic legacy, The Karate Kid translates surprisingly well to the stage. It leans less on spectacle and more on character, movement and emotional growth.
At the production’s heart, the story still revolves around a young outsider trying to find confidence and belonging in an unfamiliar environment, guided by an unexpected mentor.
The narrative follows Daniel, played by Gino Ochello, marking his first professional stage debut, as he struggles to adjust to a new life, facing intimidation and self-doubt before encountering the legendary Mr Miyagi, played by Adrian Pang.
What unfolds is more than just a story of learning karate; it becomes a study of patience, balance and inner strength for Daniel. The central relationship between student and teacher remains the production’s strongest theme, grounding the story in warmth and sincerity.
The bond between student and Sensei is clear to see throughout. Focusing more on the movement side of things, the musical definitely has its fair share of action; the production shines with storytelling through choreography.
The fight sequences are carefully staged. The whole production walks a balanced line between movement and tension that feels immediate without losing theatrical elements.
These scenes are not about aggression alone but about control, reflecting the philosophy at the core of the story: balance. If you’ve seen the movies or the likes of Cobra Kai, you’ll know the vibes.
The cast works cohesively to maintain this balance. Ochello playing Daniel captures a mix of genuine vulnerability and determination as he attempts to settle into his new life in California, a million miles from the streets of Jersey he once knew.
While Adrian Pang portrays Mr Miyagi does this with a quiet authority. Their dynamic evolves on stage flawlessly, allowing the audience to invest in their journey rather than simply anticipating the next fight.
Visually, the production makes effective use of staging and design. The set shifts fluidly between locations, using lighting and more than a few well-timed transitions to keep the pace moving.
Subtle changes in atmosphere mirror the cast’s internal world, moving from insecurity and isolation to confidence and connection as the story progresses. The music throughout further supports this, blending nostalgia from the old flicks we all knew and love, with a new contemporary stage feel.
As the story builds toward its familiar ending, the focus remains less on winning and more on personal growth. The final moments emphasise discipline, self-belief and restraint rather than triumph alone.
A well-deserved standing ovation. (Credit: The Manc)
Reinforcing why the story has endured across generations and how the themes explored remain powerful pillars of life in today’s world.
Ultimately, The Karate Kid on stage at the Palace Theatre succeeds not by trying to replicate the film exactly, but by reinterpreting its themes for a live audience. It’s a production that leans into character, movement, friendship and emotional resilience.
It reminds viewers that its real power lies not in the fights, although sometimes necessary as a last resort, but in what they represent on the inside. We had a much deeper experience than we expected, and loved pretty much every minute of it.
Smash-hit West End musical Trainspotting is coming to Manchester later this year
Emily Sergeant
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Manchester.
30 years on from the film that changed everything, and following its successful world premiere run in London’s West End, Trainspotting The Musical is heading out on a major UK tour later this year, and will be taking to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in the autumn.
Written by Irvine Welsh – as adapted from his best-selling debut novel – and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, Trainspotting The Musical has been described by critics as ‘radical, invigorating and life-affirming’ since its premiere.
It’s said to be an unforgettable production that’ll have even the most sceptical audiences leave on a ‘consciousness-altering high.’
➕ ATG+ PRESALE ➕
CHOOSE LIFE.
Trainspotting: The Musical is coming to the Palace Theatre this November. Written by Irvine Welsh.
Groups presale 👉 Tues 12 May 10am General sale 👉 Wed 13 May 10am
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) May 11, 2026
In 1996, the breakthrough British film of the same name was released and became the biggest grossing UK film of the year, winning a slew of awards in the process – including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay, and even being ranked tenth in the BFI’s top 100 greatest British films of the 20th century.
Now, three decades later, the industrial drug crazed working-class heroes of British youth culture are back… but this time, live on stage.
Trainspotting The Musical is coming to Manchester later this year / Credit: Supplied
“I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film,” creator Irvine Welsh commented as the UK tour was announced this week.
“People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.”
Trainspotting The Musical will taking to the stage at Manchester Palace Theatre later this year from Monday 2 – Saturday 7 November 2026, and tickets officially go on general sale tomorrow (Wednesday 13 May) from 10am.
Oli Lowe -
5th February 2025 
