When a show begins by stating that shoes are the 'most beautiful thing in the world', it's highly likely I'm going to enjoy it.

Add one flamboyant drag queen, quick wit and a catchy score into the mix, and you're onto a winner.

Fortunately, Kinky Boots ticks all of those boxes.

Currently on tour across the UK, the show features music by pop princess Cyndi Lauper, and is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell with book by Harvey Fierstein.

Based on a true story, the tale follows Charlie Price, son of a shoe factory owner in Northampton, who can't wait to escape small town life and explore the big city.

But a twist of fate forces Charlie, played by Joel Harper-Jackson, to take the helm at the family business, which unbeknown to him has been struggling for years.

Just as he begins losing hope of finding a niche market so the quality shoemakers can rebrand, a chance encounter with a cabaret drag artist Lola - played by Kayi Ushe - inspires him to make women's high-heeled boots for men.

The show is every bit as glitz and glamour as you'd expect, with jazzy choreography and a simple but sparkling set design.

Technically speaking, for a touring production, the show's production values are strong.

During the act one closer 'Everybody Say Yeah', moving conveyor belts help create a fun dance routine, with Lola's back-up girls called 'Angels' doing back flips and high kicks - all while wearing six inch heels.

Another stand out number was The Sex is in the Heel performed by Lola - so much so, it has been stuck in my head since first hearing it.

As characters go, Lola is rare in the musical theatre world. Kayi Ushe's portrayal makes her entirely likeable throughout - her morals are strong, her compassion is genuine, and she is accepting of all her faults.

Ushe's strongest quality however is finding the balance between the tour de force sass of Lola and vulnerability as Simon - her birth name.

A poignant moment in the show is after Lola belts the song 'Hold Me in Your Heart' at her father's nursing home, who disowned her.

She kisses him goodbye, demonstrating the significance of 'practise what you preach' - accepting someone for who they are, just as she tells the burly, misogynist foreman Don to do, played by Demitri Lampra.

Harper-Jackson brings genuine empathy to the role of Charlie, fixating on the impending plight of his employees and friends with redundancies on the cards.

His on-stage friendship with Ushe's Lola is also believable, benefited by reserving judgement on Lola - for the most part.

He also has an impressive set of pipes, and put his body and soul into his performance of 'Soul of a Man'.

Another fun performance comes from Paula Lane as Lauren, best known for her role as Kylie Platt in Coronation Street.

Her teen-like crush on Charlie proves to be hilarious, thanks to Lane's excellent comic timing.

But beneath all the humour and glitter are some important cultural topics, such as the damaging nature of toxic masculinity and qualities that make up the 'male' or 'female' gender.

A lump formed in my throat from nowhere in act one during the song 'Not My Father's Son' when Lola and Charlie discover they both have issues with their fathers and the expectations placed upon them as children.

It almost goes without saying that the costume design is fabulous thanks to Gregg Barnes, in particular the 'kinky boots' themselves.

The show's key message is without a doubt the importance of tolerance - a notion unlikely to go out of style any time soon.

It also taught me that I need to practise wearing heels more...

The audience gave a complete standing ovation during the finale, and as I left the theatre, I heard one woman remark: "I'm going again tomorrow night!"

I desperately wish I was too.

Details

Kinky Boots runs at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre from Monday, January 16 until Saturday, January 26.

To book tickets visit marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.