Johannes Radebe dons those Kinky Boots at Liverpool Empire

Everybody say yeah! Strictly star Johannes Radebe is set to don the red thigh-high footwear when Kinky Boots the musical comes to Liverpool.

The hit musical, with a score by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein and choreography from Jerry Mitchell, is set to play the Liverpool Empire from July 8-12 next year as part of a UK tour.

The ‘Made at Curve’ production of the Broadway and West End smash will star Radebe – in his stage musical debut - as Lola and rising star Dan Partridge (Grease, Hairspray, Mamma Mia!) as Charlie Price.

The show is directed by Nikolai Foster, and the tour will open at Leicester Curve in January.

After inheriting his family's failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price. That is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.

Inspired by a true story, Kinky Boots started life as a 2005 film written by Tim Firth and Geoff Deane.

The stage musical debuted on Broadway in 2013, winning six Tony Awards, and made its West End premiere in 2015 with Killian Donnelly as Charlie and Matt Henry as Lola.

Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: “We all know Johannes for his extraordinary artistry on the dance floor but seeing him inhabit the astonishing world of Lola in Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper’s proud, punchy and passionate Kinky Boots has been an electrifying and profoundly moving experience.

“Johannes is joined by Curve regular, the magnificent Dan Partridge, as Charlie Price and a world class creative team, led by designer Robert Jones and choreographer Leah Hill.

“This is a story of British industrial heritage, told through Fierstein’s fiercely intelligent words, and Lauper’s explosive songs, in a truly joyful musical about overcoming adversity, celebrating individuality, the power of a good pair of heels and community spirit.

“We can’t wait to share this explosion of joy with audiences next year.”

Kinky Boots is at the Liverpool Empire from July 8-12, 2025. Radebe will not be performing at the Wednesday and Thursday matinees. Tickets HERE

Top: Johannes Radebe as Lola and Dan Partridge as Charlie. Photo by Ollie Rosser.