Having recently celebrated their 60th year of dazzling local audiences, Banbury Operatic Society are gearing up to stage the multi-award-winning musical, Kinky Boots, based on a true story set just a few miles away in Banbury’s neighbouring town of Northampton!
With a heart-warming and hilarious script and dazzling musical numbers written by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots took the West End by storm in 2015. Directed by Andy Aldcroft, musically directed by Chris Cheetham and choreographed by Charlotte Boardman, Banbury Operatic Society’s production of this glittering musical tells the tale of Charlie Price (Mark Melzack), who is thrust into taking over a shoe-making factory after his father’s sudden passing. Upon realising the dire situation the factory is in, and inspired by his enthusiastic employee Lauren (Sarah Wright), Charlie seeks out a niche market in order to save the dying business. By chance, he meets the larger-than-life drag queen, Lola (Ben Coleman), and realises that there may be a market for high-heeled boots for men – who are sometimes women! Convincing Lola and her band of Angels to assist, the factory begins creating ‘Kinky Boots’, much to the disbelief of some of the factory workers, including Don (Jonathan Rubery) who disapproves of Lola’s lifestyle. With the international shoe exhibition in Milan fast approaching, Charlie feels the pressure to make a perfect selection of boots, straining his relationship with his fiancé Nicola (Megan Veres) as well as his friendships with Lola and the factory workers whom he considers his family. Kinky Boots is a tale of acceptance, being true to oneself and how you can change the world when you simply ‘change your mind’.
Banbury Operatic Society is a registered charity and is Banbury’s longest running musical theatre group! The award-winning society have been staging varied and exciting musical theatre productions in the Banbury area for over 60 years, with a repertoire ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan and light operetta through to West End and Broadway blockbuster musicals. Their most recent shows include Ghost the Musical, Crazy for You, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Sister Act, The Mikado, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Half a Sixpence. The society also has a hugely successful youth group – YOBOS – who recently celebrated their own milestone anniversary of 20 years, whilst also staging Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Teen Edition this past summer.
“We are so excited to be bringing the sensational musical, Kinky Boots, to Banbury audiences” said Jess Smith, Chairman of Banbury Operatic Society. “We have such a wonderful team of dedicated and passionate volunteers – on stage and off – who are pouring their heart and soul into this production. The musical is as hilarious as it is heart-warming and audiences are truly in for a treat.”
Banbury Operatic Society recently won multiple NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) Awards for the district for their recent productions of Ghost the Musical and The Mikado, which they staged in Banbury over the past year. “We are so honoured to have been recognised for these two productions,” said Jess. “These very different shows truly highlight the versatility that Banbury Operatic Society and its members have to offer. Kinky Boots is another big and challenging musical that continues to push us as we celebrate over 60 years of bringing exciting musicals to Banbury. We know local audiences will love this newest production that Banbury Operatic Society has to offer and may perhaps be inspired to tread the boards with us. There’s something for everyone at BOS!”
Banbury Operatic Society will perform Kinky Boots at Wykham Theatre, Wykham Park Academy from Wednesday 25th October 2023 to Saturday 28th October 2023. Performances begin at 7.30pm with an additional 2.30pm matinee on Saturday 28th October. Tickets are available now at www.banburyoperaticsociety.co.uk/tickets.
