As a show title, Kinky Boots conjures up images of glitter, dancing and a whole heap of fun. Sadly the reality doesn’t quite match the billing and those expecting something akin to the exuberance of that other drag queen extravaganza –  Priscilla Queen of the Desert may be slightly disappointed.

Kinky Boots has arrived at the Edinburgh Playhouse as part of its 2025 UK national tour. This modern day fable is set in the workshop of a Northampton shoe manufacturer.  The son of the family firm, Charlie Price (well portrayed by Dan Partridge), initially rejects his birth-right in order  to seek his fortune elsewhere. However, his father’s death forces his return, at which time he finds the inherited family business struggling. A  chance encounter with drag queen Lola, (the role shared by Johannes Radebe and Newtion Matthews) sparks Charlie’s radical business rethink, and, in order to save the business, a decision  to specialise in ‘kinky boots’. The majority of the musical covers Charlie’s personal journey from this light bulb moment to an international shoe show in Milan. This is a story about taking chances and being accepted, whoever you are –  with the exploration of  father/son relationships as well as attitudes to cross dressing.

Overall, the work feels rather one-dimensional and formulaic. There is the necessary conflict and subsequent resolution and a passing romantic interest, but compared with other musical theatre, Kinky Boots doesn’t offer much plot complexity. Nor is the music particularly toe-tapping. Songs and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, whilst pleasant, are just not that catchy or memorable.

Nevertheless, credit should be given to the cast, who give an enthusiastic and energised performance throughout and manage to lift this work as much as is possible. Dan Partridge singing ‘Soul of a Man’ admirably demonstrates his talents and strong vocal range. Despite some garbled dialogue in places, there is plenty of good character acting, notably Joe Caffrey as Don who epitomises a typical Northern factory worker. The set design is ingenious with a lighting cube used to transform a grungy warehouse into a Milanese catwalk. Lola and her troupe of drag queens don’t get as much opportunity to shine as might be expected and this is a missed opportunity to provide some much needed colour and fun.

What dance routines there are,  are performed with suitable attitude and sassiness whilst the finale of ‘Just Be’, complete with an  array of glittering kinky boots and sparkling costumes, ends the performance on a high note. Newtion Matthews gives a sensitive performance as Lola and the audiences who miss out on an appearance by Strictly Come Dancing star Radebe will not feel short-changed.