Lead actor Newtion Matthews talks new touring production of ‘Kinky Boots’: “This role has landed as therapy to me”

Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper’s iconic musical relives on the UK stage through this reimagined production put together under Nikolai Foster’s direction. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of the show’s protagonists, to learn more about this new take on the piece – exploring some additional themes without forgetting its original message of diversity being the most beautiful thing in the world.

How does it feel to be starring in one of the most popular new musicals of the last decade?

Honestly, it feels incredible. It is really an honour. I’ve been wanting to play Lola for such a long time. I had seen YouTube videos of Billy Porter doing it on Broadway. And then, Matt Henry (with whom I had my first-ever job) did it in the West End. Playing this character means a lot to me. A black queer artist played by a black queer artist – that’s so important to me. So I’m basically loving every minute of being this fabulous queen!

What’s new in this production?

Our director, Nikolai Foster, has taking the original production and expanded it in a rougher way. We’re putting our take to really exemplify the Britishness of the material, and making sure that every angel (the drags) have their own personality. We’ve birthed our queens and given them different names and personalities according to how they would be in this “Land of Lola”. It’s really sensitive about the black queer joy. He really wanted us to play around with the piece, but also stay true to what it is all about: family, redemption, understanding, and the celebration of queerness.

As a queer black artist, do you feel you’ve redefined the role of Lola in any way?

Absolutely! For me, I wanted to bring my own culture into my Lola, and make sure that it was running through. Also, in my mind, Lola is a Church girl, and she’s shaking off the religiosity and shame – but she can’t help the way in which she presents herself. I, myself, am an ex-Church kid, and that’s definitely something that I wanted to bring into the score – using those gospel elements. There are, too, other highlights about her: she’s fighty, and she’s here to stay true to herself!

The story is set in the early 2000s. How do you think its themes still resonate in today’s world?

People are starting to realize how quickly rights can be stripped away. It may not be happening in some countries, but we are definitely seeing it in pockets around the world. We are actually seeing it here, in Britain, apart from America and across Europe. There are ulterior motives to take rights away bit by bit – and that affects us all in some way. All of that is reflected in Kinky Boots. You may think it’s just his happy-ending story about this drag queen that sings a few songs and makes a few boots, but it’s actually about standing up for yourself and making sure you have a voice. We need allies and the members of our community to stand up for each other, because it’s so powerful when we do that. It doesn’t matter if the struggle is yours or not. I’m not a trans person, but I should stand up for my trans siblings. And that applies to everyone. When we do it together, we silence all of these ulterior voices.

Have you found any particular challenges in this role?

Yes, how incredibly close it is to my own personal life. The theme of rejection, for example, from my family. My family is amazing, but they don’t always see eye-to-eye with me and my queerness. So I’ve had a few times while playing the role where I had to step down and have a tear. But this role has landed as therapy to me. I’ve allowed my queerness to permeate through Lola, and use it not to demonize his dad, but try to understand that maybe he was trying to protect him from a world that wouldn’t embrace him. It has been tough at times, but also incredibly healing.

Have you had any experiences with audience members whose lives may have been changed by this story?

What a beautiful question! And yes, absolutely! There have been so many messages, moments at the stage door, and even at cafes, where people have approached me to say how wonderful it was to see me living my queerness, but also how it’s helped them to open up the conversation with their families. I got a DM from a person that just discover that they are non-binary, and after coming to see their show, they were able to come out. I’ve also met so many people that feel inspired to live the way they truly are – regardless of being queer or not. That’s also very healing to me. Yet, I think the most amazing thing is that, when I walk around in these towns, wearing whatever I want, and receiving so much encouragement from the communities.

Have you had any funny bloopers you’d like to share?

Indeed! It took a minute not to walk like a truck on high-heels and get my Barbie doll on. But it’s still challenging! There are a few moments where you don’t know where your ankle is going! But that’s the beauty of theatre. It’s live and it’s like life – sometimes you trip, and all you must do is just get up. That’s what I love about Lola – her confidence and her unwavering fight for life.

Why come see Kinky Boots?

Fabulous songs, fabulous artistry, fabulous moments which will make you think about being loud, proud, and queer. And also, it celebrates black queerness, which is a beautiful reason to come to theatre. Finally, because it’s a new version of a world-loved classic. It’s gonna warm your heart, and it’s gonna have you singing and dancing. It’s a story for all families, all ages, all sexualities, all ethnicities, and all backgrounds.

Production pictures credit to Danny Kaan.

Kinky Boots will resume its tour from 29 April to 6 December. Tickets are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara