
This production is recommended for ages 8+. Under 5's will not be admitted
Performance dates
17 March - 11 July 2026
Run time: 2hr 30min
Includes interval
Top Rated Show
Reviewers highly rate this show
Everybody say yeah! Following the Kinky Boots musical tour, the fashion forward show struts into the West End. Playing at the London Coliseum from 17 March to 11 July 2026, book your official tickets now.
Set in a struggling shoe factory in Northampton, the story follows an unlikely partnership between a passionate shoe maker and a dazzling performer with a bold idea that just might save the business.
With songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a heartwarming book by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots is packed with humour, vibrant choreography, and unforgettable music. It’s a joyous journey of acceptance and empowerment that reminds us all to stand tall, be ourselves, and never let anyone dull our shine.
Johannes Radebe is not scheduled to perform on Mondays, 26th March matinee, and 26th June 2026.
Further casting to be announced
Kinky Boots is a vibrant musical that celebrates acceptance and the unexpected journeys life takes us on. As you enjoy the uplifting tunes of this award-winning show, remember the diverse world of performance art available in London. For a contrasting experience, consider exploring the elegance and grace of London ballet, where storytelling unfolds through enchanting dance, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation in every performance.
Kinky Boots is playing at the London Coliseum for a limited London run; a very exciting return for the Kinky Boots West End production.
The Kinky Boots running time is around two hours and 30 minutes, including an interval.
The Kinky Boots story is inspired by a real Northamptonshire shoe factory that reinvented itself by making boots for drag performers, which later became the hit musical — with the Kinky Boots cast led by Johannes Radebe as Lola and Matt Cardle as Charlie Price, tickets are available to book now.
Johannes Radebe is not scheduled to perform on Mondays, 26th March matinee, and 26th June 2026. The role of Lola will be played by Tosh Wanogho-Maud.

Matt Cardle has been announced as the new Charlie Price in the upcoming West End run of Kinky Boots, joining Johannes Radebe when the hit musical steps into the London Coliseum this spring.
Cardle, who takes on the role of Charlie, described the opportunity as a career highlight, saying he is thrilled to be joining the production on one of London’s most iconic stages. He added that stepping into a role he has admired for years feels like a genuine dream come true, and that sharing the stage with Radebe makes the experience even more special.
Johannes Radebe will return to the role of Lola, having previously played the part during the show’s tour, bringing his performance back to the West End for the London Coliseum run.
16 Jan, 2026 | By Hay Brunsdon

Since strutting its red stilettos onto the stage, Kinky Boots has become one of musical theatre’s most joyful celebrations of individuality, resilience, and self-expression. With music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the show blends heart, humour, and not to mention some of the most played pop-rock anthems of all time. While the glittering boots may steal the spotlight, it’s really the soundtrack that lifts Kinky Boots into musical theatre royalty.
The opening moments introduce Charlie Price, his relationship with his father, and the legacy of the struggling shoe factory. Moving from tender memory into harsh reality, this sequence contrasts childhood nostalgia with adult responsibility, framing the emotional conflict that will drive Charlie’s journey.
A punchy, defiant ensemble number led by factory foreman Don that captures the workers’ resistance to change. Rooted in tradition and frustration, it highlights the fear that comes with shifting norms, particularly around gender and masculinity, setting up one of the show’s central tensions.
Perhaps one of the most iconic introductions to any character ever. Enter Lola in a blaze of red leather and confidence. Inspired by 80s pop and rock influences, this explosive introduction captures Lola’s bold and unapologetic individuality. It is a showstopping entrance that immediately challenges Charlie’s sheltered worldview.
This reflective ballad gives Charlie space to process the pressures placed on him, from expectations of masculinity to the weight of his father’s legacy. Vulnerable and sincere, the song reveals Charlie’s uncertainty and sets up his emotional journey throughout the show.
A joyful burst of optimism, this number sees Lola encouraging Charlie to take risks and trust himself. With its infectious rhythm and motivational lyrics, “Step One” embodies the show’s belief in courage as the first step toward change - it makes for a great song to run to too.
The factory workers take centre stage in this high-energy ensemble number as they learn to design boots for drag performers. Packed with humour and choreography, the song bridges worlds and breaks down preconceived ideas, proving that creativity thrives when boundaries are challenged.
Lauren, the factory’s quick-witted worker, delivers a hilarious and undeniably relatable solo about her unfortunate dating history. Inspired by Lauper’s pop sensibilities, this song provides comic relief while celebrating self-awareness and resilience.
15 Jan, 2026 | By Vivienne Shaw

Johannes Radebe is a South African dancer and choreographer celebrated for his bubbly personality and trailblazing visibility on Strictly Come Dancing. Over the years, he has become one of the show’s most beloved professionals, admired not only for his technical mastery but for his authenticity, warmth, and the joy he brings to every performance. Beyond the glitter and footlights, Radebe’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and a deep commitment to using his platform to inspire others.
Born in Zamdela, Sasolburg, in South Africa’s Orange Free State, Johannes Radebe’s journey to international acclaim is marked by both triumph and adversity. Growing up, he faced homophobic bullying and the compounded challenges of navigating race and class barriers within the competitive world of ballroom dance. His early years in Johannesburg were defined by financial hardship, at times he experienced homelessness, sleeping in the dance studio where he worked or in the back of taxis.
Yet Radebe’s talent and determination propelled him forward. He went on to win the Professional South African Latin Championship twice, and became a three-time Amateur Latin South African Champion. His competitive success opened doors to television, where he quickly became a standout figure. Today, he is not just a renowned dancer but a symbol of perseverance, representation, and unapologetic self-expression.
He certainly is! Radebe’s been a firm fan favourite since joining the cast in 2018. And has become synonymous with the show’s most joyful, heartfelt, and innovative routines. His partnership with John Whaite made television history as the first male same-sex pairing in the UK series, a landmark moment that resonated deeply with audiences. The pair went on to finish as runners-up, losing only to Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice in a memorable final.
Before his UK success, Radebe already had an impressive track record. He competed in two seasons of the South African version of Strictly, reaching the final both times, and appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2018.
3 Dec, 2025 | By Sian McBride

After strutting its stuff at the Adelphi Theatre from 2015 to 2019, Kinky Boots is making a dazzling return to London. The hit musical will step back into the West End at the London Coliseum from March 17 to July 11, 2026.
With Harvey Fierstein’s heartwarming book, Cyndi Lauper’s infectious score, and high-heeled choreography, this uplifting show blends glamour with grit. Let’s explore the unforgettable characters that give Kinky Boots its sparkle.
29 Aug, 2025 | By Hay Brunsdon

London has moved into Tier 3, which means that theatres have once again had to close. Many of us love the thrill of live entertainment and delight of theatre, and even more so during the holiday season. You can still treat your loved ones to the magic of theatre with our gift e-vouchers this Christmas, but here are some things you can stream to tide you over, from now until the new year!
18 Dec, 2020 | By Jade Ali

Check out these vintage, high-heeled boots! Matt Henry and Killian Donnelly, who originated the roles of drag queen Lola and Charlie Price for the West End production of Kinky Boots, are set to return to the musical at the end of this month for two performances, which will be filmed for a worldwide release. Kinky Boots is now playing at the Adelphi Theatre until 12 January 2019.
15 Nov, 2018 | By Nicholas Ephram Ryan Daniels

This summer I headed down to the Adelphi Theatre to see the fabulous new cast of Kinky Boots! The show, on the whole, is as sparkly and beautiful as ever, with a fantastic set and of course fabulous choreography from Jerry Mitchell. But here’s what I thought of the new cast…
12 Oct, 2018 | By Emily Jenkins

As Summer draws to a close, and the first countdown-to-Christmas posts start appearing on Facebook (way too soon!), it seems like a good time to look at what we can expect from the West End in 2019, especially since we are going to be losing some pretty big musicals.
In fact, we've already lost Young Frankenstein, and The King and I is closing in September. Next year will see even more closures, including Dreamgirls, Motown: The Musical and (the saddest loss, in my opinion) Kinky Boots.
On the upside, Waitress will be replacing Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre in February, and Dear Evan Hansen is on its way to London in the not-too-distant future. But what else could replace the fantastic musicals that will be closing next year? Well, here are my suggestions.
14 Sep, 2018 | By Harriet Wilson

It has just been announced that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatres group (RUT), which is a subsidiary of Really Useful Group (RUG), will be renamed after the impresario himself. Effective today the group will be renamed Lloyd Webber Theatres, or LW Theatres for short. The news comes after the RUT-owned New London Theatre was officially renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre after the late, world-renowned choreographer of Cats.
25 Jul, 2018 | By Nicholas Ephram Ryan Daniels

After four years of rocking audiences' socks off and over 1,400 performances at the Adelphi Theatre, feel-good musical Kinky Boots announces that it will be closing in January of next year.
12 Jun, 2018 | By Nicholas Ephram Ryan Daniels