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Ruthless People: Ruthless - Arches Lane Theatre

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What is it about the Madoff’s that writers can’t resist writing about? Sure, it may have been the largest Ponzi scheme to collapse (so far), but there isn’t much more to explore. Or is there? In Ruthless by writer Roger Steinmann, Ruth Madoff is imagined as a wronged, gun-toting woman anchored in the past while trying to move on with her life. It’s not entirely successful but a fascinating look at life and wig choices, It’s currently playing at the theatre now known as the Arches Lane Theatre in Battersea. Ruth Madoff, played by Emily Swain, is here wearing a wig. I thought it was an odd look until I reviewed how closely it matched the photo of her interview in  The New York Times .  Typically, it’s the sort of wig you might see worn by Ladies on a night out in central London, not someone who once had over $80m in assets. With Bernie in Jail and both her sons now dead - one by suicide and one due to cancer, she is setting a table for the men who have left her. And ordering p...

The sex is in the beat: Kinky boots @kinkybootsuk


I finally caught up with Kinky Boots, which is currently playing at the Adelphi theatre in London. The show is the Full Monty meets Priscilla Queen of the Desert. It's a show with terrific songs, great cast and fabulous outfits.

However the story is a bit predicable. It derives its formula plot from the film of the same name. But thankfully as an added addition are a collection of songs written by Cindy Lauper that range from folk, pop and disco. On top of this are some very impressive (albeit kinky) boots.
Set in a shoe factory in Northampton, father hopes to give his shoe factory over to his son Charlie, but he would rather go to London and do marketing. But when his father unexpectedly dies, Charlie finds himself running a shoe factory that has been losing money for years.

A chance encounter in London with a drag queen named Lola gives him the idea to tap the the niche market of men who like to wear high heels. Cue drag queens descending on Northampton to put a bit a glamour in their lives (and into the dreary shoe factory set).

There are some strong performances from the cast. Matt Henry as Lola steals the show (and gets the best numbers) as the drag queen with a heart of gold, and an eye for designing sex in heels. Killian Donnelly as Charlie gets to sing some soaring ballads although has the thankless task of navigating a rather vague character that has to be slightly bossy yet ultimately lovely.

Amy Lennox as Lauren, who gives Charlie the idea to find a niche, is a hoot as the factory girl falling for the boss.

There is little subtlety in this piece. People averse to musicals should be wary as characters burst into song for no real reason.

But in the end the boots do look pretty good. Albeit some wear it better than others...


Kinky Boots is playing at the Adelphi Theatre in London.

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎



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