Kinky Boots is the show that pipped Matilda to the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical – a decision that raised a fair few eyebrows. It certainly sits in a more traditional Broadway mould than the thrillingly original, super-smart Matilda, but you can see why it has proved so popular. It is a joyous, life-affirming show with a huge heart and a well-worn but (sadly) still necessary message about being true to yourself and accepting others for who they are.

^{The cast of Kinky Boots with Callum Francis and Toby Francis centre. Photo by Matthew Murphy}

With touchingly truthful performances from its two stars, Callum Francis and Toby Francis, the opening night audience gave the Australian premiere a rapturous standing ovation that felt genuine and thoroughly well-earned.

Written by pop star Cyndi Lauper (music and lyrics) and Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein (book), Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 British film starring Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor, which was itself inspired by a true story.

Set in Northampton, Charlie Price (Toby Francis) reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, only to discover it is floundering financially. Though he’d love to run...