The Broadway and West End phenomenon Kinky Boots is strutting back to Liverpool Empire Theatre this week in a brand-new production starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge. Here, we chat to Dan about the show based on a true story and hit movie, featuring music and lyrics from pop icon Cyndi Lauper…
Dan, Kinky Boots is such a beloved show – full of heart, humour and high heels! What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be joining this new production?
I was so excited to get stuck in to rehearsals for Kinky Boots. I love the story and the message the show tells. However, I was quite apprehensive as the role is huge and it is a marathon of a part.
You play Charlie Price, a character who’s at a real crossroads in life. What have you enjoyed most about stepping into his shoes and what have you found the most challenging?
Charlie is a character who goes on a real journey throughout the show. It’s quite an emotionally demanding part, and that is one of the biggest challenges for me. I enjoy the twists and turns, but having to sing a heartfelt ballad straight after a raging argument with ‘Lola’ is hard. He is also a character who has lived with a lot of ignorance and small mindedness. Representing his views can be quite tricky, especially when the audience get on his back!
The show is such a celebration of self-expression and unexpected friendships. How has working on Kinky Boots impacted you personally or creatively?
One of the show’s most powerful messages is ‘be who you want to be’. You change the world when you change your mind. Being open to learning about people who lead very different lives to you can make yours a lot richer. Working with such an eclectic and diverse group of talent is a very inspiring.
You’ve appeared on screen in Father Brown, and now you’re back on stage in a big musical. How do those experiences compare – and do you have a preference between stage and screen?
The majority of my career has been working in the theatre and I really love the process of putting on a show. Working on screen, you certainly feel part of something bigger, and I have met some wonderful people along the way. I don’t think I have a preference. The variety keeps my life feeling exciting and fresh.
There’s a powerful message in Kinky Boots about finding common ground with people who are very different from you. What do you think audiences today can take away from that?
Moving around the country going from city to city, we have been able to really feel the effect of the show on people. It’s an extremely important message that seems to be more prevalent than ever. Many people are still living lives where they are not made to feel comfortable in their own skins. I believe this show encourages our audience to open their hearts to all sorts of people: similar and different.