Dancer Johannes Radebe is stepping from the dance floor into the glare of the West End stage, taking on the role of drag queen Lola in the musical Kinky Boots. The production, an Olivier and Tony Award winner, is slated for a run at the London Coliseum, with Radebe set to reprise a role he has long desired.
The musical, known for its narrative about accepting differences and self-acceptance, follows Charlie Price as he inherits a struggling shoe factory and subsequently develops a line of high-heeled boots after meeting the cabaret performer Lola. This particular production has embarked on a seven-month tour across the UK and Ireland, with significant portions already selling out, indicating a strong public appetite.
A Dream Realized
Radebe, a familiar face from Strictly Come Dancing since 2018, expressed his astonishment at securing a spot in the prestigious London theatre. "I wake up every single day and my stomach still flips because I can’t believe that we actually achieved it," he remarked. His involvement with Kinky Boots has been a long-held ambition, reportedly six years in the making, with Lola being the sole character he envisioned playing. He described the opportunity to perform on such a renowned stage as a "dream come true," acknowledging the work involved in bringing the production to fruition.
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Cultural Resonance and Personal Connection
The dancer articulated that Kinky Boots stands out among musicals, deeming it a fitting vehicle for "a big, black, flamboyant, happy somebody" like himself. He also shared a positive encounter with the show's composer and lyricist, pop star Cyndi Lauper, describing it as a "lovely" experience that underscored the musical's mission of "shifting culture, changing lives."
Radebe's alignment with the character of Lola appears to stem from a shared spirit of defiance and self-expression. He noted a personal journey of finding his own footing, admitting that Lola "will always stand her ground," whereas he would have to "find a way not to." He also touched upon his role as an inspiration, particularly to young LGBTQ+ individuals, referencing his own experiences dancing in drag and heels on Strictly and choreographing a "Rusical" on Drag Race. The sentiment is that authenticity, even when daunting, can find support.
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The Show's Journey
Kinky Boots, with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, has been lauded for its themes of acceptance and love. The production's journey has been described as "overwhelming, beautiful and life changing" by those involved. Beyond the West End, the musical's tour aims to carry its "universal message" across various locations, encouraging mutual respect and self-acceptance, as Radebe stated, "let’s make space for one another, and most importantly, accept ourselves and just make sure that we’re creating a better place."
The production is set to return to London in the spring, with Radebe reprising his role as Lola. Further casting details for the West End run are anticipated. The show's narrative centers on Charlie Price, who must save his family's shoe factory by collaborating with Lola to produce a line of durable high-heeled boots.
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