Kinky Boots

I was lucky enough to go on another matinee trip into London with Martin Wood Events (Formally TAP events) and this time it was Kinky Boots The Musical.

We had an interesting journey into the capital. Because of the horror this week in Manchester, London was a hotbed for police and army activity. I was thankful for the added protection but I couldn't help feel on edge watching armed police on the streets.

I had taken the trip with my lovely friend Lauren since our journey had been a long and slow one, we had a quick hour in Zizzi's for lunch and a skinny Prosecco (yes that is a real thing!).

Founded in 1806, Kinky Boots is held at the Adelphi Theatre (which is completely accessible with very helpful and attentive staff), which was beautiful with stunning 1930's art deco decor. The show is based on the 2005 film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and is about a failing shoe factory in Northampton, which, after a chance encounter with a drag queen, has a second chance which is ultimately based on a true story!

The factory owner, clueless and lost Charlie Price was played by understudy Paul Ayre, an endearing character portrayal that carried the quieter chunks of the show with some sweet solo's and real heart but as soon as wonderful Drag Queen Lola, played by Matt Henry (of The Voice fame), enters the stage, all eyes were on her. With a quick wit, sharp moves and legs to die for, Henry is a joy to watch driving the lively and colourful numbers with style.

The whole show was supported by a brilliant, lively cast and ensemble - high energy and humour in spades and I have to mention Elena Skye who played Lauren, this is Skye's debut in the West End and she was hilarious, like a cheeky Northern Amy Poehler.

The show's score was written by the incomparable Cyndi Lauper and you can hear her influence in all the songs, astute lyrics, playful beats and the ability to draw emotion and connection in her words. My personal favourites were "Sex is in the Heel", "What a woman wants" and "Raise Up/Just Be".

Kinky Boots The Musical is just fabulous, a heartwarming, jovial and unique show that you leave with a huge smile on your face, I will be back to see the show as soon as I can and I'm off to purchase the soundtrack now!




Until next Wednesday!
L xxx

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In case you missed last weeks vlog click here or wach the video below

Tapping to Wicked

I’m sorry I’m a day late! To be honest, Monday and Tuesday were pretty much written off with pain and sleep, and yesterday (Wednesday i.e. blog day!) my sister, Nicola, and I went to see the West End show Wicked and by the time we got home, I was in enough pain to warrant a dinner and bed!

Wicked!

Wicked, the hit West End/Broadway show is mesmerising and about to go on a tour. The storyline hones in on the unlikely friendship between the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and Glinda the Good from the epic Wizard of OZ books/films. 

Speaking of unlikely friendships, our trip to see the show largely came from my own one. You see our day out was planned by TAP Events who organise matinee outings to big shows in London. TAP is owned and run by Martin and Karen.

I've known Karen for 16 years, and the reason our friendship is an unusual one, is that Karen is my ex-boyfriends Mum. My ex and I split up 12 years ago and yet Karen and I remained friends. Some think it's a tad odd but Karen is one of my closest friends who I love, respect and enjoy spending time with, however unlikely our friendship is!

Anyway...

Getting to London is a sore subject with me. I adore our capital and city of my birth, but getting around in a wheelchair is difficult in such a historic and busy place. The excellent thing about Tap Events is that being a Southend local company, they collect patrons at pick up points all around town and they're happy to take wheelchairs! 

I was treating my sister to the show, as her Birthday present, as I've seen the show before. The coach dropped us right outside the theatre but we had a couple of hours to explore, get lunch and shop. 

At 2:30, we were greeted at the theatre doors by Kara, Victoria Apollo's, assistances coordinator, who explained where we were seated, where the disabled loo's were, and then took us in via platform lifts to our dress circle seats, where we had an amazing view of the whole stage.

The show is no less incredible than the first time I saw it. In fact, Wicked get better each time, I think I was so enthralled the first time that I didn't fully take it in. The music, the voices, the costumes and set design were all mesmerising, I adore the way Wicked plot weaves effortlessly into the well known OZ tales and I found myself getting a tad emotional in parts because it is such a beautiful, emotive funny show. 

Luckily, since this was Nicola's Birthday gift, she loved the show, which by the way was her first foray into the West End, and said that she has caught the theatre bug. When I asked her what she thought of the show she simply said Wicked... what more can you say?

Nicola and I

After the show, the lovely Kara came and escorted us through the theatre back outside into the chilly February night, where our coach was waiting for us and although by this point I was exhausted and in agony,  we were both on the wonderful high show's like Wicked put you on. 

A huge thanks to Martin and Karen at Tap Events, I cannot recommend their service enough, they look after you every step of the trip, competitive prices for the shows are standard and you don't have to faff around on the trains and tubes. You do have to be able to take a few steps on and off the coach but every one helps to you and let you take your time (and boy do I take my time). I'll be using their services a lot in the future.

Go see Wicked!

Until next Wednesday,
L xxx