Bridport Musical Theatre production of Kinky Boots

Electric Palace

“Sold Out!" The word spread through Bridport — Bridport Musical Theatre’s "Kinky Boots" had sold out, and it certainly deserved to.

There is so much to praise: the opening number, led by the commanding Kenny Poole and the endearing youngsters Tom Cudmore and Django Evan Cohen, set a high bar, powerfully supported by the chorus of factory workers. Special mention goes to Cameron Love, unrecognizable as the elderly George.

The production tells the true story of a failing shoe factory in Northampton, and Harvey Causely most movingly captures the range of emotions that the newly bereaved Charlie Price experiences.

Kinky Boots at the Electric Palace (Image: Melissa Runcieman) In a pub scene where Charlie tries to sell his surplus shoes, we see BMTC stalwart Harry Lockett is very comfortable now in leading roles.

Then comes the breath taking entrance of drag artist Lola. Dominick Sanchez Jr, new to BMTC, struts onto the stage, stunning the audience in a magnificent red sequined dress.

Gasps fill the theatre; he is accompanied by the "Angels," a chorus of drag performers dressed in equally fabulous outfits. Among them were some familiar faces: Jasmine Mather, with her signature high kicks, and Immie Gordon, whose unmistakable wriggle brought excitement.

Saucy Harry Poole was outstanding, Greg Horton added sass, and the bodacious Tom Miller delighted everyone. Returning to the company, Ed Whitehead displayed his professional experience with his moves as the hip-swinging Angel 2.

The applause after "The Land of Lola" nearly brought the house down, but it was only a preview of what was to come. Special mention must be made of the costumes: Brenda Swaffield, as always, ensured everyone looked marvellous, assisted by Becky Mather, Ziggy Gray, and the impressive director Melanie Draper, who was not afraid to lend a hand when needed.

Kinky Boots performance at the Electric Palace (Image: Melissa Runcieman) The factory is soon invaded by the "Angels" as Charlie struggles to design boots for drag performers. Praise once again goes to Becky Mather for her stunning choreography throughout.

In the hilarious number "Sex is in the Heel," the entire company gives 100%, with Ziggy Gray and Jodie Glover seizing every opportunity to strut their stuff. Perfectly timed, Sophie Bell returned to BMTC to play Lauren, and her hilarious showstopping number "The History of Wrong Guys" earned an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Conflict, essential to any drama, is provided by Don, portrayed by Paul Matterface, who brings a powerful level of machismo to the role of the factory worker resentful of Lola dressing as a woman. An unexpected boxing match ensues, where Lola pulls her punches and eventually overcomes the prejudices of Don, Charlie, and his co-workers towards men in dresses. Charlie and Lola have discovered they aren’t as different as they first thought.

Tensions further rise when there is an attempt to turn the factory into luxury flats. This plotline is excellently presented by architect Chris Denne and convincingly argued by Hatti Amos as Nicola, Charlie’s first love. Known to Bridport audiences for her work with the Bridport Pantomime Players, Amos shines here in the snazziest red shoes.

Now, the company must get to Milan. A series of setbacks, cleverly overcome by Lauren in her pursuit of Charlie, leads to the Angels shaking their booty on the Milan catwalk. The incredible final number, "Raise You Up/Just Be," brought the audience to its feet.

The man next to me turned and said, "They just get better and better." Melanie Draper, Becky Mather and Lauren Good should be proud of this impressive production of a challenging musical. Surely, they can’t top this next year - or can they?

Margie Barbour