If you’re looking for a West End show that will leave you smiling from ear to ear, Kinky Boots London should be high on your list.
As part of my 50th birthday celebrations, my mum surprised me with tickets to see Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum. We travelled to London withyour family Hall Theatre Trips and enjoyed an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, incredible performances and a powerful message about acceptance and being true to yourself.
Having never seen Kinky Boots the Musical or even the film before, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What followed was one of the most uplifting nights I’ve had at the theatre in a long time.
Kinky Boots Tickets and Our Journey to the London Coliseum
My mum booked our trip through Hall Theatre Trips, and the whole experience was seamless from start to finish.
A few days before departure, we received a text message confirming all collection and drop-off details. On arrival, we were welcomed onto a brand-new luxury coach and handed an envelope containing our theatre tickets and coach seat allocations.
The coach dropped us off on Duncannon Street, which is just a two-minute walk from the London Coliseum, making the journey incredibly straightforward.
Our Seats at the London Coliseum
We were seated in the Dress Circle, seats E9 and E10.
The views were excellent, and we were especially lucky because the seats directly in front of us remained empty throughout the performance. This gave us an uninterrupted view of the stage and allowed us to fully appreciate the spectacular choreography and set design.
The seats were comfortable with good leg room, which is always appreciated during a full-length London theatre production.
What Is Kinky Boots About?
For anyone unfamiliar with Kinky Boots, it tells the uplifting true story of Charlie Price.
After Charlie Price inherits his family’s failing shoe factory in Northampton, he finds himself struggling to keep the business afloat. While searching for solutions, he meets Lola, a larger-than-life drag queen who inspires an unexpected new direction for the company.
Together they begin designing high-heeled boots strong enough to support drag performers, creating an unlikely partnership that ultimately helps save the day.
Based on a true story, the musical explores themes of acceptance, friendship, identity and overcoming prejudice.
Kinky Boots the Musical at the London Coliseum
This brand-new production of Kinky Boots the Musical opened at the London Coliseum 2026 season and runs from March 2026 to 11 July 2026.
Featuring a book by Tony award-winner Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, the show first became a huge success on Broadway before transferring to the West End.
The original production won the award for Best New Musical and collected multiple accolades, including Olivier Awards, Tony Awards and Grammy Awards.
This latest production of Kinky Boots is directed by Nikolai Foster with exhilarating choreography inspired by the original work of Jerry Mitchell.
Johannes Radebe as Lola Steals the Show
The biggest draw for many audience members is undoubtedly Johannes Radebe, best known from Strictly Come Dancing.
While we already knew Johannes Radebe could dance, neither my mum nor I were prepared for just how incredible his singing voice would be.
Johannes Radebe as Lola
Johannes Radebe as Lola is simply sensational.
From the moment he appears on stage, he commands attention with charisma, humour and warmth. His portrayal of Lola is both powerful and vulnerable, bringing genuine heart to the role.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was his performance of Hold Me In Your Heart, which left many audience members visibly emotional.
It’s easy to see why this production is being marketed as starring Johannes Radebe because he truly is the beating heart of the show.
What Happened to Matt Cardle?
One small disappointment for us was that Matt Cardle was unavailable for our performance.
We had been looking forward to seeing Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, and there was no announcement before the show began to explain his absence.
Instead, the role of Charlie Price was performed by Liam Doyle, who stepped into the lead role admirably.
While we were disappointed not to see Matt Cardle, Liam Doyle delivered a strong performance and had excellent chemistry with Johannes throughout the show.
The official cast also features talented performers including Courtney Bowman, Liam McEvoy, Kaya Farrugia, Andy Barke, Kofi Dennis, Cole Dunn, Keith Alexander and former Kinky Boots star Matt Henry.
Favourite Moments from Kinky Boots
There were so many standout moments throughout the evening.
Some of my personal favourites included:
- The Land of Lola
- Everybody Say Yeah
- Hold Me In Your Heart
- Raise You Up / Just Be
The energy during Everybody Say Yeah was infectious, while the finale delivered exactly the kind of joyful ending audiences hope for.
By the time the cast reached Raise You Up, the atmosphere inside the London Coliseum was electric.
Why Kinky Boots Still Matters in 2026
Although the story first appeared years ago, its message feels just as relevant in 2026.
At its heart, Kinky Boots reminds us not to judge a book by its cover.
It celebrates individuality, encourages empathy and shows how people from completely different backgrounds can come together to achieve something remarkable.
For families with older teenagers, it also provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss acceptance, inclusion and self-confidence.
The Standing Ovation Says It All
As the final curtain fell, the audience rose to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation.
The cast’s energy, talent and passion shone through from beginning to end.
The combination of brilliant performances, unforgettable songs and an uplifting message explains why this award-winning musical continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Should You Book Kinky Boots Tickets?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or completely new to the story as I was, Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum offers a fantastic night out.
If you enjoy feel-good musicals, outstanding live performances and stories with heart, this West End production is well worth seeing.
As a limited run ending on 11 July 2026, I’d recommend securing your Kinky Boots tickets sooner rather than later.
Book Your Official Tickets
For the latest availability and performance information, you can book your official tickets via the show’s official website or authorised ticket agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kinky Boots about?
Kinky Boots tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his family’s failing shoe factory and teams up with drag performer Lola to create specialist high-heeled boots that could save the business.
Where is Kinky Boots playing in London?
The current production of Kinky Boots runs at the London Coliseum in London’s West End.
Who plays Lola in Kinky Boots London?
The role of Lola is played by Johannes Radebe, making his highly anticipated West End debut in the role.
Is Kinky Boots based on a true story?
Yes. The musical is inspired by a true story about a Northampton shoe factory that successfully diversified into manufacturing footwear for drag performers.
How long is Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum?
The current limited run operates from March 2026 until 11 July 2026.
Is Kinky Boots suitable for families?
Kinky Boots is best suited to teenagers and adults due to some mature themes and language, but its positive messages about acceptance and inclusion make it a fantastic family theatre experience for older children.
Final Thoughts
My mum couldn’t have chosen a better birthday treat.
From the ease of travelling with Hall Theatre Trips to the spectacular performances on stage, the entire evening was a joy from start to finish.
The combination of Johannes Radebe as Lola, the uplifting music by Cyndi Lauper, and the powerful message at the heart of the story makes this one of the most enjoyable West End shows I’ve seen recently.
If you’re looking for a feel-good night at the theatre that will have you laughing, singing and perhaps shedding a tear or two, Kinky Boots at the London Coliseum is a fantastic choice.