First Look: Johannes Radebe and Matt Cardle On Stage in Kinky Boots
Published on 17 March 2026
Summary
- New Kinky Boots images have been released ahead of tonight’s first performance.
- Kinky Boots opens 17 March 2026 at the London Coliseum for a 17-week run.
- Johannes Radebe stars as Lola; Matt Cardle plays Charlie Price.
New images have been released of Johannes Radebe and Matt Cardle ahead of tonight’s first performance of the new production of Kinky Boots The Musical, opening at the London Coliseum on 17 March 2026.
The Olivier, Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical begins a strictly limited 17-week run, playing until 11 July 2026. A special Gala Night will take place on Sunday 29 March in support of international charity WaterAid.
Radebe stars as Lola, with Cardle as Charlie Price, leading a cast that includes Tosh Wanagho-Maud (Alternate Lola), Courtney Bowman (Lauren), Billie-Kay (Nicola), Billy Roberts (Don), Rachel Izen (Pat), Jessica Daley (Trish), Jonathan Dryden Taylor (Mr Price), Scott Paige (George) and Liam Doyle (Harry).
Based on a true story and the 2005 film, Kinky Boots follows Charlie as he inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory. When he meets Lola, an unexpected partnership offers a bold new way to save the business — proving that acceptance, reinvention and friendship can help everyone stand a little taller.
The production features a book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper, and is directed by Nikolai Foster.
Kinky Boots plays at the London Coliseum for 17 weeks only. Book your tickets today.
By Hay Brunsdon
I've over 15 years of writing and editorial experience, and starting working in the West End theatre industry in 2012. When not watching or writing about theatre I'm usually swimming, hiking, running, or training for triathlons in the Stroud valleys.