Theatre
Interview
Kinky Boots: “This show has come at a time when people really need to understand each other”
The cast of Kinky Boots discuss the show’s return to the West End, adjusting to the London Coliseum stage, and why a story about seeing past differences is more needed now than ever
Kinky Boots is back and the feel-good level is through the roof in this glitzy revival from Nikolai Foster. With Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe starring as drag queen Lola and singer-songwriter Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, this is a production packed full of pros, and the beloved pop-influenced score from the chart-topping Cindy Lauper is just as infectious as ever. But beneath the glitter, Kinky Boots is a story about helping each other, looking past our differences, and discovering what we have in common. A great night out it might be, but this heartwarming true story is also good for the soul.
As the production opens at the London Coliseum, we’re chatting to Billie-Kay, who plays Nicola, and Rachel Izen, who plays Pat, about their relationship to the show.
When did you first cross paths with Kinky Boots?
Rachel: I was living in New York, and so I went to see it on Broadway. That was my first introduction, and all I could think was, “Please, please stop trying to do British accents.” I knew that Nikolai Foster would put his magic touch on it and make it even better.
Billie-Kay: One of my best friends was actually the cover Lola at the Adelphi. I went to see him on for Lola, and it was the first time that I had a really close friend play a lead, and you know that feeling when you watch somebody that you know really well go on for their cover? I was so proud and happy for him. It’s so funny because of course I never imagined that I would be doing it. You never do. I was here in this theatre last summer, watching The Great Gatsby, and now we’re on the other side.
What’s it been like moving the production to this huge stage at the London Coliseum?
Rachel: We only just started a technical rehearsal yesterday, which means we start from the very beginning, and we go very slowly through each piece, because each light has to be changed, tweaked to fit into this theatre. Each piece of the set has to be slightly changed. Where you’re standing has to be tweaked, because it’s slightly different. So I am looking forward to the experience of running it all the way through.
Billie-Kay: One thing I will say about this space, though, is the acoustics are amazing, because it’s made for opera. You should be able to stand on that stage and be heard without a mic.
Rachel: Well, that’s how I was brought up, really. We have to be mic’d now because a lot of the instruments are mic’d. That’s how I first got up there, though – no mics. And then we had float mics up the side of the theatre. It’s very different now.
Billie-Kay: I bet you’ve got some lungs on you, though.
What part of the show are you most excited for audiences to see?
Rachel: I don’t want to spoil it, but I’ll tell you what it is. It’s the reveal of my wig. There are two big reveals that we’re very excited for people to see, but that’s my favourite.
What’s it been like working with Johannes and Matt?
Billie-Kay: So amazing. We’ve just been saying what perfect ‘leading ladies’ we’ve got.
Rachel: They really set the bar very, very high for leading the company, setting a great example of how to behave in all circumstances. And Jojo’s patience yesterday whilst they were re-staging, re-lighting. I mean, he must have been standing on that stage in full costume for hours. He never, ever lost it.
Do you think that sort of sportsmanship often comes with a dance background?
Rachel: I didn’t want to say that, but I do think so. I trained as a dancer. I started as a dancer. It’s a different attitude, a completely different sportsmanship. Being a good company member. I could list you all the ‘me me me’s that I’ve worked with and I never want to work with again. It always has to be led from the top.
Could you tell me a bit about the role dance plays in this show, and why it’s such an important element of Kinky Boots?
Billie-Kay: Well, obviously our leading lady is Johannes who comes from that Latin background. I think with this particular version of Lola, she is a real dancer. She can really dance. She can also really sing, but she can really dance, and that is being celebrated. Strictly fans will get what they want from this Lola.
Rachel: And from me too! That’s my favourite bit of the show. I get to dance with Lola. I had no idea, because having seen it on Broadway, this bit did not exist. To say that I’m thrilled to bits is an understatement.
One of the things that people love about Kinky Boots is that it shows people from different walks of life coming together to solve a problem and finding common ground along the way. What is it that you both take away from the story?
Billie-Kay: It has come at a time when people really need to understand each other more and be a lot kinder to one another and accept people. It’s come at a perfect time, When it came in 2015 to London it was also fantastic, but right now, it just feels like this country needs this show more than ever.
Rachel: Yeah, how can I disagree with that? I totally agree. I think that’s been the way for those of us who have been in this business, who are exposed to all different walks of life, creeds, colours, religions – we are more accepting, I think, as a culture, than maybe anybody else. It’s been very easy to take it for granted that everybody’s accepted. It’s a shock to realise that other people look at somebody and see their sexuality, their gender, their religion, their choices, their anything, as an obstacle. And are vocal about it. I certainly get vocal back.
Kinky Boots is now playing at the London Coliseum until 11 July – find tickets here
