OPINION: A legendary X Factor winner, a themed feast and a West End hit made this Kinky Boots night unforgettable before the curtain even went up at London’s Coliseum
My night at Kinky Boots with an X Factor legend was already unforgettable before the curtain even went up. There are theatre nights… and then there are nights that feel special long before you even take your seat.
That was exactly the case at Colonel Saab, where a Kinky Boots themed dining experience set the tone before I even made it across the road to the London Coliseum to see the show itself starring X Factor star Matt Cardle. And honestly, I was already blown away before Lola had even stepped on stage.
Tucked just moments from Trafalgar Square, Colonel Saab is not your average pre-theatre pit stop. The interiors alone feel like a performance, all rich colours, ornate detailing and a buzzing atmosphere that makes you feel like you have walked into something far more glamorous than dinner. It is moody, elegant and just theatrical enough to make you forget you are technically still waiting for the show.
The themed Kinky Boots menu is where things really start to shine. It is clever without being gimmicky, playful without trying too hard, and clearly designed with real thought behind it.
The experience begins with a signature whisky based cocktail that sets the tone perfectly, followed by a playful amuse bouche in the form of a light, spiced street food style bite that wakes everything up straight away.
Starters lean bold and vibrant, including crisp vegetable based tikkis and punchy chaat inspired dishes that bring heat, texture and plenty of flavour without overcomplicating things.
Mains continue the theme of comfort with a twist, from rich, slow cooked chicken curry to hearty, spiced vegetarian dishes like zimikand and beetroot tikki style plates that feel both familiar and elevated at the same time. It is proper soul food, just dressed for the theatre.
Dessert is a real finale moment, with a nostalgic pineapple jalebi served alongside creamy rabri and pistachio kulfi, landing somewhere between indulgent and completely over the top in the best possible way.
By the time it arrives, it already feels like the night has peaked before the curtain has even gone up.
Which brings me to Kinky Boots at the Coliseum.
The show itself still delivers plenty of heart, humour and high energy, even if the pacing dips slightly in places. But when it hits, it really hits.
Matt Cardle, who won The X Factor in 2010, as Charlie is a standout. He brings a quiet vulnerability to the role that works really well, especially in the big musical moments where emotion carries just as much weight as the vocals. It is a performance that feels grounded and sincere, giving Charlie a real sense of internal conflict.
But the real showstopper is Lola.
Usually this role is owned by Strictly star Johannes Radebe, but on the night we saw Alternate Lola Tosh Wanogho Maud step into the heels, and he absolutely owns the stage. He delivers sass, soul and serious vocal power from the moment he appears. At times it is genuinely hard to take your eyes off him, especially in the emotional gut punch of Not My Father’s Son, which lands with real impact.
Then comes the big numbers, and suddenly the entire theatre is alive. By the time Raise You Up hits, you realise the night has done exactly what good theatre should do, it has taken you somewhere.
But in truth, Colonel Saab might have got there first.
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