Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre and the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch have announced the first UK revival and regional premiere of the Olivier and Tony Award-winning musical Kinky Boots this autumn.
Directed by Tim Jackson, the major new co-production will debut at the New Wolsey from 1-24 September 2022 before heading for the Queen’s Theatre from 28 September until 22 October.
Commenting on the production which will mark 10 years since the critic and crowd-pleasing musical took its first bow at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre, Jackson said: “I’m thrilled to be directing the first UK revival of this fabulous musical. It’s a show that’s got it all: big laughs, a banging pop score and an uplifting story about community, identity and embracing ourselves and each other.
“Ten years since it took the world by storm, I’m relishing the opportunity to re-explore Kinky Boots in a brand-new production for a new generation. The piece remains as potent as ever, and I cannot wait to join audiences in celebrating our beautiful kaleidoscope of a world.”
Jackson steps into the director role after previously working with both the New Wolsey and the Queen’s Theatres as choreographer of the theatre’s celebrated revival of Made in Dagenham. Jackson also worked with the New Wolsey Theatre as director and dramaturg of The Stage Debut Award-winning co-production (with Royal and Derngate) of The Season.
Announcing the new production, Mathew Russell, executive director of Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch said: “We’re thrilled to be working with the New Wolsey Theatre again, after a string of brilliant co-productions, including our acclaimed actor musician versions of Made in Dagenham and Once, which we were able to tour together too.
“We’re equally excited that QTH’s new creative associate, Tim Jackson, will be directing, and know that he and the team will do a great job of making a fresh, warm hearted, sassy and gloriously working class take on this hit show, which we’re sure audiences are going to adore.”
Douglas Rintoul, incoming chief executive of New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich said: “I can’t think of a better way to mark the start of my new role at the New Wolsey Theatre than with this very special regional premiere. Made by my favourite theatres, and directed by a supremely talented director, Kinky Boots is going to be a smart and gloriously uplifting night out.”
Casting and the full creative team will be announced at a later date.
An instant favourite with theatregoers, the exuberant show based on the hit Miramax film (written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth and inspired by a true story) has a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), and songs by Grammy and Tony-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper.
The original production of Kinky Boots The Musical which was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell arrived on Broadway in 2013 where it was nominated for a season record 13 Tony Awards, winning six including Best Musical. In the UK, the musical debuted in the West End in 2015 winning three Oliviers including Best New Musical.
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.