SYNDICATE INTERVIEW - STEPPING INTO KINKY BOOTS: JOHANNES RADEBE AND THE CAST ON BRINGING THE HIT MUSICAL BACK TO THE STAGE

As a brand-new tour of Kinky Boots struts its way around the UK and Ireland, Johannes Radebe is making his acting debut as drag queen Lola.

Stepping Into a New Role

"It's daunting and nerve-wracking," admits the Strictly Come Dancing star, "but at the same time, it's really exciting. I think I have been an actor in some way or other across my career, because I'm a storyteller. Now I get to say and sing how I feel as well as expressing myself through movement and dance."

The high heels? No problem.

"I'd worn heels in my house without anybody witnessing it for many years until Strictly gave me the platform to be fabulous and kinky in front of the world," Johannes grins.

The bigger challenge has been the singing.

"I was quite discouraged as a child with my singing," he laughs. "My friends and family would say, 'Please shut up, you sound like a sheep!' But when I heard that this show was a possibility, I started taking lessons, and it's been a beautiful thing to do."

A Story That Inspires

With a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 film of the same name, which was inspired by a true story. The musical has won Tony, Olivier, and Grammy Awards and has been performed across the globe.

This new Made at Curve production, directed by Nikolai Foster, is touring the UK and Ireland until late July. It follows Charlie Price, who inherits his family's failing shoe factory in Northampton. When he meets drag queen Lola, her sparkle, sass, and sense of style might just be the answer to saving the business.

"It's so inspirational," Johannes says. "It has a universal message and songs that leave people feeling happy and joyful. Maybe their minds will be changed by it too. I find that quite incredible."

Finding Lola

Asked to describe Lola, Johannes beams:

"Nikolai said to me during rehearsals, 'What you have to remember is that Lola is a matriarch,' and there's no better way to describe her. She's a loving and nurturing character, which is really up my street because that's my language."

Having spoken openly about the bullying he suffered growing up as a gay child in Zamdela, South Africa, Johannes deeply connects with the role.

"She's insecure and scarred, like many of us – me included – but she's also bold, confident, and powerful. The show is about self-acceptance and acceptance of others, and I relate to that so much. It's been my personal fight. I hope that through my career, I can influence the world in a positive way by saying, 'Yes, we are all different, but we can live as one.'"

Dan Partridge on Playing Charlie Price

Dan Partridge, who plays Charlie, was drawn to the show for its exploration of masculinity.

"I'm passionate about how men communicate with one another and how they identify within a community."

Charlie starts out as a small-town guy with low self-esteem, but when he meets Lola, his world is turned upside down.

"You have these two polar opposite characters," Dan explains. "You see how their worlds can cross and how they, and we, can learn from one another."

Dan has worked with Nikolai Foster before, and praises his directing style:

"He allows you to collaborate as an actor, rather than just telling you what to do. It really feels like we are creating something together."

As for what makes Kinky Boots special, Dan recalls something Cyndi Lauper told him:

"It's like a happy pill that makes people want to come back for more. You see the ugly side of bigotry and prejudice, but then you see that everyone has a right to identify how they want. That journey is really beautiful."

Courtney Bowman as Lauren

Playing factory worker Lauren, who has a crush on Charlie, is Courtney Bowman.

"She's really relatable," Courtney says. "Especially to people who've had tragic love lives! She's fun, working-class, a bit weird, awkward, and quirky."

Having previously played Lauren in a concert version of the show, Courtney is enjoying diving deeper into the character.

"That was crazy – we only had a week to put it together! Now I can really sink my teeth into it."

For Courtney, Kinky Boots stands out because of its heart and grit.

"The music and lyrics are fantastic, and Harvey’s book has so much depth. Nikolai has stripped it all back to focus on the core of the story, and I love that."

Leah Hill on Choreographing a New Vision

Choreographer Leah Hill was drawn to the show for its music, message, and storytelling.

"It's really clever in how it gets audiences talking about sexuality, identity, gender, race, and different communities. Theatre is a platform to start conversations."

Leah, an award-winning choreographer known for The Wiz and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, has also worked on the films Wicked and Aladdin.

The biggest challenge?

"The original production was so beautifully done, but I get to make this version bespoke for our actors. Nikolai's approach is more visceral. We're creating different movement languages for different communities."

A Celebration of Where Drag Began

The show is set in the mid-2000s, before RuPaul's Drag Race made drag more mainstream.

"Back then, it wasn't as polished as it is now," Leah notes. "The stakes were higher, and it was more dangerous for drag performers. I want to pay homage to that. It's beautiful where drag has landed, but it's important to show where it started."

With its powerful message, uplifting music, and unforgettable characters, this Kinky Boots tour promises to dazzle and inspire audiences across the UK and Ireland.