Simon-Anthony Rhoden and David Hunter on Kinky Boots' 1000th performance

Will Longman
Will Longman

Kinky Boots strutted into the London's Adelphi Theatre on 21st August 2015 and took the West End by storm. The larger-than-life musical captured the imaginations of theatregoers (as well as a couple of Olivier Awards on the way) and tonight, it will celebrate its 1,000th performance. 

We caught up with Lola and Charlie (Simon-Anthony Rhoden and David Hunter) to ask them what it's like to be a part of the cast, and what might be in store for Lola and Charlie Price in years to come...


Kinky Boots is celebrating 1,000 performances in the West End. Why do you think people love coming back to see the show?

SAR: "People love going to the theatre because it is an opportunity to escape and is a chance to listen and see stories being told. However, we also offer something that is so relevant of our time which is acceptance. I think our message resonates with so many people on so many levels that word spreads, as well as the fact it brings people back time and time again. The show is packed with colour, brilliant music and sass for days!"

DH: "The show's message is so positive and life affirming, I think it becomes a little addictive! Life's a messy old thing at times and Kinky Boots it the perfect tonic."

What's your favourite number to perform in the show and why?

DH: ""Everybody Say Yeah." Charlie spends most of the first Act desperately trying to keep going in the face of a constant barrage of obstacles, but during "Everybody Say Yeah:, the act one finale, he finally gets to join in and enjoy himself! It's a joy to sing and such a brilliant production number."

SAR: ""Land of Lola" has got to be my number one number to perform, although there are so many to choose from for different reasons. "Land of Lola" is the first time you meet my character and all her angels which has such a huge impact. It also is a moment where the show gets flipped on its head and the audience don't quite know what they're in for."

Do you remember how you felt the first time you saw Kinky Boots?

DH: "I went along to see my mate Tim Prottey-Jones play Don with the original cast, so most of what I felt was pride for my friend! I remember laughing. A lot. And being so impressed with the whole cast."

SAR: "I watched the film before seeing the musical and I loved everything about it. When I saw the stage production I knew I wanted to be a part of the show in any way I could, as the story it tells is so important. "

Talk us through your high-heel training... Was it tough to learn or did it come naturally?

SAR: "I don't even think it comes naturally to women let alone men, so no, it did not come naturally!! You essentially have to train your entire body to do something so different to what it's used to. You have to consider each part of your body, and your centre of gravity changes. There is also a lot of stretching involved and physiotherapy, as the more you wear them the tighter your muscles get which can make it harder to keep wearing them."

DH: "The boots are made to measure and designed specifically for us, so it comes fairly naturally. They were kind of hard to walk in but really easy to strut in! I channeled my inner Mick Jagger and everything fell into place!"

What would you say the underlying message behind Kinky Boots is?

SAR: ""Just be who you want to be" - the acceptance of difference."

DH: "Acceptance. And what a glorious message that is!"

If Lola and Charlie were West End actors, which established theatre roles would suit them best?

SAR: "Lola could play Effie White from Dreamgirls."

DH: "I think Charlie couldn't think of anything worse than being an actor! Are there any company manager positions available?"

As an audience member, who is one actor you'd like to see play Lola / Charlie?

DH: "I'd like to do one show where Simon-Anthony and I swap roles! I'd love to see his Charlie - and then push him around for two hours as Lola!"

SAR: "Would have loved to the Stark Sands and Billy Porter's portrayal of the show as they did originate the roles in the musical. But ultimately Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joel Edgerton from the original film are such brilliant actors it would be an honour to watch them live!"

What's the best thing about being a part of the Kinky Boots cast?

DH: "It's the show itself. It's such an upbeat, energetic show that we leave Stage Door every night walking on air! It doesn't matter how we feel coming into the building, we always leave feeling uplifted by our brilliant, brilliant production."

SAR: "Getting to tell this story with a great bunch of people."


Kinky Boots Tickets are available now. 

Originally published on

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