Strictly Star Johannes Radebe to Lead ‘Kinky Boots’ West End Return at London Coliseum in 2026

LONDON – “Kinky Boots,” the acclaimed musical adaptation of the 2005 film, is set to make a highly anticipated return to London’s West End. Headlining this production will be Strictly Come Dancing sensation Johannes Radebe, reprising his celebrated role as the irrepressible drag queen, Lola. The production, fresh from a successful UK and Ireland tour, is scheduled for a limited engagement at the prestigious London Coliseum, marking a significant event in the city’s theatrical calendar for 2026. This transfer underscores the enduring appeal of the musical’s heartwarming story, vibrant score, and powerful themes of acceptance.

West End Engagement Details

The West End run of “Kinky Boots” is scheduled to commence performances at the London Coliseum on 17 March 2026. This engagement is slated to continue through 11 July 2026, offering London audiences a limited window to experience the production. The choice of the London Coliseum, one of the city’s largest and most historic theatre venues, suggests a production mounted on a significant scale, capable of filling the grand space typically associated with opera and ballet. Prior to its London opening, the show will play a week of previews at Curve, Leicester, beginning on 3 March 2026. This period at Curve will allow the production to fine-tune its staging and performances before transferring to the demanding environment of the West End.

Radebe Steps Centre Stage as Lola

At the heart of this eagerly awaited West End revival is the casting of Johannes Radebe as Lola. Radebe, who has become a household name and captured the nation’s heart through his charismatic appearances and groundbreaking partnerships on the BBC’s hit dance competition series Strictly Come Dancing, has previously garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the character during the musical’s recent UK and Ireland tour. This transfer marks Radebe’s highly anticipated West End musical debut, signifying a major step in his performing career as he transitions to a leading role in a major theatrical production. His previous experience inhabiting the dynamic and complex character of Lola is expected to bring a compelling blend of vulnerability, strength, and showmanship to the role, which is central to the musical’s emotional core and comedic highlights. The role demands not only powerful vocals and stage presence but also nuanced acting, and Radebe’s prior success as Lola positions him as a compelling choice to lead the production. Further cast details for the London Coliseum run are yet to be announced, adding to the anticipation surrounding the full company that will join Radebe on stage.

Background on the Acclaimed Musical

“Kinky Boots” features a compelling book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, celebrated for his distinctive voice and storytelling in works like Torch Song Trilogy and Hairspray. The musical boasts a vibrant, Tony Award-winning score by Grammy and Tony Award winner Cyndi Lauper, marking her critically acclaimed foray into musical theatre composition. The musical is based on the heartwarming and inspiring 2005 film of the same name, which itself was inspired by true events from a shoe factory in Northampton. The narrative centers on Charlie Price, a young man who inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory and faces the difficult decision of closing it down. In a twist of fate, Charlie finds an unlikely business partner and friend in Lola, a flamboyant drag performer in need of sturdy, stylish footwear capable of supporting a man’s weight while performing in heels. Together, they embark on a creative and challenging journey to create a line of “kinky boots” specifically designed for drag artists, aiming to save the factory from bankruptcy and discovering more about themselves and each other in the process. The musical beautifully explores profound themes of acceptance, identity, prejudice, and forging unexpected connections across seemingly different worlds, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide since its initial Broadway debut in 2013, where it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The production is directed by Nikolai Foster, the artistic director of Curve, Leicester, the venue where the show will first play previews before transferring to London. Foster’s vision for the show aims to capture the infectious energy and heartfelt message of the original while potentially offering a fresh perspective for contemporary West End audiences.

Ticketing and Production Information

Tickets for the highly anticipated West End engagement of “Kinky Boots” at the London Coliseum are scheduled to go on sale to the public on 15 July 2025. Given the star power of Johannes Radebe and the enduring popularity and critical acclaim of the musical, strong demand is anticipated for the limited run. Prospective theatregoers are advised to mark their calendars and secure their tickets promptly once they become available to avoid disappointment. The production is presented by a consortium of acclaimed theatre producers: ROYO, Runaway Entertainment, and Curve. Their collaboration brings together significant expertise and resources in staging and transferring major theatrical productions, promising a high-quality and spectacular presentation for the West End audience. The transfer follows the successful touring production, suggesting that the show is in excellent form and ready for its triumphant return to the London stage.

Anticipation Builds for 2026

The return of “Kinky Boots” to the West End, particularly with Johannes Radebe stepping into the iconic role of Lola for his musical theatre debut in the capital, is poised to be a major highlight of the 2026 theatrical season. The combination of a beloved, Tony Award-winning story, an acclaimed creative team, a history of successful productions, and a popular star promises a show that will appeal to a broad and diverse audience, from dedicated theatregoers and musical enthusiasts to fans of Strictly Come Dancing eager to see Radebe in a new light. As the magnificent London Coliseum prepares to host this vibrant and uplifting production, anticipation will undoubtedly build towards the March 2026 opening, promising a show filled with heart, humor, dazzling costumes, and, of course, spectacular footwear.