- In |
- On July 8, 2025
Johannes Radebe is set to make his West End debut next year in the hit musical Kinky Boots! He plays the iconic lead role of Lola in the production which is currently on tour.
Born and raised in Zamdela Sasolburg, Johannes Radebe started dancing at just 7 years old! By 21, Johannes left South Africa to work on cruise ships. Shortly after, Dancing With The Stars invited him to join the debut season of their international hit show in South Africa. Following this, Strictly Come Dancing head-hunted him which saw his dance career flourish and him becoming a breakout star.
Johannes Radebe gave this statement followng this announcement of Kinky Boots strutting into the London Coliseum:
I left my township in Zamdela at the age of 21 to dance in the ensemble on a cruise ship. Every night we did ABBA. That was my dream come true. Never then, nor since then, was it in my wildest dreams that I would have the opportunity to star in a musical in London’s West End. And not just any musical – my favourite musical. Kinky Boots. My involvement in Kinky Boots has been six years in the making, and Lola was the only role I ever wanted to play… I’ll be walking in the footsteps of theatre and entertainment giants who have performed on that stage, and I’ll be doing it in my own sequined pair of red leather Kinky Boots. I cannot wait! Thank you and see you next year.
Kinky Boots is based on a true story and also, a movie of the same name released in 2005. It follows Charlie Price who inherits his family’s failing shoe factory, saving the company – as well as his love life – feels like an impossibly tall order. Until, that is, he meets Lola (played by Johannes Radebe) the sparkling, larger-than-life drag queen with the unlikeliest of answers. In creating specialist shoes for Drag Artistes. The show is a glorious celebration of friendship and individuality.
Pop Star Cyndri Lauper wrote the original songs for this award-winning musical. In response to the news about the show returning to the West End, she said the folowing:
I’m so thrilled that Kinky Boots is returning home to London! When audiences leave the show, they feel happy and uplifted, and that’s something the world could really use right now. It’s so wonderful that this musical keeps bringing joy and acceptance to people around the world.
Catch Johaness Radebe in Kinky Boots stunning return to the West End at The London Coliseum from 3rd March 2026 – 11th July 2026. Tickets go on sale 15th July 2025.
Stay up to date for the latest Kinky Boots updates at LSBO Theatre News.
