Strictly’s Johannes Radebe lands drag queen role
Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe has landed a role in a new tour of Kinky Boots The Musical.
The fan-favourite professional dancer will swap his dancing shoes for bright red platform heels in the role of Lola in the Made at Curve production.
Dan Partridge will appear as Charlie Price, with Nikolai Foster directing. The show launches on January 12, 2025 at Leicester's Curve Theatre and ends on July 26 at Oxford's New Theatre.
Sharing the news on his Instagram, Johannes shared pictures alongside Dan and Nikolai wearing the iconic boots.
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"Darlings, It's happened! Another dream is realized. I'm making my musical debut as Lola in Kinky Boots, the only role I've always envisaged playing," he wrote in the caption.
"I feel like everything I have achieved in my career has led to this moment. I've been granted the opportunity to step into the world of musicals.
"I know these are big boots/shoes to fill but I promise to show up for the task and keep spreading the message of the show... Kinky Boots celebrates individuality and challenges us to encourage acceptance, love people for who they are, look out for one another, and to just be yourself."
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He went on to hail his co-star Dan, sharing his excitement to be working with him: "I am working alongside musical theatre leading man @danpartridge_ whom I cannot wait to lean and learn from because he is brilliant at his craft...
We'll be directed by the incomparable @nikolaifostertheatre from Leicester Curve who is a visionary and aims at bringing a new look and feel to the show. 🙏🏾"
He ended the message by thanking those who have supported his solo theatre shows, as well as the Kinky Boots producers.
Johannes continued: "Thanks to my producers @roomonyourown for this incredible opportunity. I'll forever be indebted to you. ❤️
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"To everyone who has supported me on my solo theatre tours and everyone who loves this musical, this revival of Kinky Boots is for YOU. See you there, Love Lola xx 👠"
Based on the 2005 film, which was also based on a true story, Kinky Boots follows the story of Charlie, who inherits his father's shoe business which is quickly going down the drain. Facing closure, Charlie reinvents the business after meeting flamboyant drag queen Lola to produce men's fetish footwear.
The musical has won three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, while the film, starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, was nominated at the 64th Golden Globe Awards.
Kinky Boots The Musical launches on January 12, 2025 at Leicester's Curve Theatre and ends on July 26 at Oxford's New Theatre.
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