WHEN a musical has songs from master crafts woman Cyndi Lauper you can expect the unexpected.

This touring production of the Olivier and Tony award-winning Kinky Boots lives up to all the praise that has been lavished on it.

It is packed full of surprises enough to make you leave the theatre full of the feel good factor.

It is based on a true story of a shoe factory that is down-at- heal in the sales department.

That is until a change of direction ensures they are stepping out in the right direction.

Enter drag queen Lola - aka Simon - who needs user-friendly footwear that will help him and fellow dancers strut their sexy, slinky stuff.

Factory boss Charlie, who has inherited the Northampton-based premises and its staff from his late father, now has a make or break challenge.

He needs his sparkling new range to wow them at the Milan fashion festival.

Kinky Boots was a well-deserved smash hit film and West End and Broadway show - now it's on its first UK tour and it is rightly gaining a whole new audience.

Nearly all of the action takes place on a two-tier factory set where some stunning choreography takes place in two and half hour hours.

It is hard to fault this vibrant production from its characterisation to dialogue and the uptempo and ballad numbers.

A key to its success is the fact that you like and care about the characters in this tale that shouts out 'be yourself.'

Lola is played by multi-talented Kayi Ushe who has charisma that outshines the sequins on his stage costumes.

Joel Harper-Jackson is equally impressive as the driven and dedicated Charlie who is having relationship problems with fiancé Nicola (Helen Ternent).

There are other key players who instantly become favourites with the audience.

Versatile Coronation Street Star Paula Lane is delightful as the bouncy blonde worker Lauren who has a crush on her boss.

She belts out one of the many shows toppers with the History of The Wrong Guys.

Paula displays spot on comic timing.

Demitri Lampra plays tough but sensitive Don with the right amount of earthly realism.

And there are six other absolute dazzling stars of the show - The Angels who excel in every scene leading up to the fabulous catwalk finale in some stunning costumes.

The show is worth seeing for this acrobatic, dancing drag troupe alone.

They consistently give 100 per cent as do all the cast under Jerry Michell's faultless direction and choreography

Musical arrangements and orchestrations don't get much better than this with songs such as The Most Beautiful Thing in the World, Not My Father's Son and Raise You Up.

Stiletto-sharp comedy and beautifully-crafted songs make this show a diamond night out from the start to the standing ovation.

The type of show that hooks you so much you want to see it again.

Five Stars

Alive and Kicking

Kinky Boots is at the Empire until April 6.

Tickets from the box office on 0844 8713017