The multi-award-winning musical Kinky Boots is celebrating its brand-new production by partnering with luxury restaurant Colonel Saab for a themed dining experience, inspired by the uplifting true story behind the show.
Johannes Radebe Shines as Lola
Johannes Radebe struts centre stage in his latest role as drag queen Lola in the hit musical. Making his theatrical acting debut, the Strictly Come Dancing star stars opposite seasoned stage performer Matt Cardle, who plays reluctant business owner Charlie Price. After once duetting with Rihanna in front of 17 million viewers on The X Factor, Cardle now shares a stage with the Strictly favourite, and together they make a formidable pairing at London’s Coliseum Theatre.
Any doubts about the soft-spoken Latin champion stepping into a West End role are quickly dispelled. Radebe hasn’t just taken on the part of Lola—he has stepped fully into it, and the joy is infectious. Together, he and Cardle carry the show’s emotional punch but will leave you walking away with a huge smile. Insiders say the BBC star was determined not just to sing, but to perform like a true West End star, undergoing rigorous training to get there—and it shows.
Paternal Expectations and Chemistry
Both Cardle and Radebe explore the weight of paternal expectations in different ways. Their chemistry together—and with the wider ensemble cast—is a joy to watch, giving the production even greater warmth and depth.
Colonel Saab Themed Dining Experience
For those looking to elevate their theatre visit, the evening can start before the curtain rises. A short walk from the theatre, Colonel Saab offers a themed dining experience that perfectly captures the production’s flair. The experience opens with a glitter-topped cocktail, complete with the Kinky Boots logo. An amuse-bouche follows in the form of a playful guava 'cone heel' combining raspberry sauce, tamarind chutney, spiced cream and crispy noodles.
Guests can then choose from a selection of starters before moving on to richly spiced mains, in keeping with the restaurant’s signature Indian fine dining style. The standout on the menu is the dessert, aptly titled Raise You Up in homage to the production's stomping final number. This mouthwatering concoction features rabri Chantilly cream, pineapple jalebi, pistachio kulfi, crisp tuile and pistachio oil.
Each course of the experience is explained with gusto and precision by the restaurant team, who have spent months crafting their own Kinky Boots vision and bringing it to life for diners. Priced at £75 per person, the experience offers a more indulgent way to step into the world of Kinky Boots but it's a fitting treat for a special night out.
Show Details
Directed by the award-winning Nikolai Foster (Grease and The Wizard of Oz), Kinky Boots features music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and will run at the London Coliseum from 16 March for a strictly limited season. Colonel Saab's theatrical, flavour-led Dining Experience is available to book now—advance reservations are recommended.
