Johannes Radebe to make West End debut as Lola in Kinky Boots in 2026

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe is set to make his West End debut as the iconic drag queen Lola in the award-winning musical Kinky Boots, which is returning to London’s prestigious Coliseum Theatre in 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the South African dancer, who first captivated British audiences on Strictly in 2018. Since January 2025, Radebe has been touring the UK and Ireland with Kinky Boots, bringing his unique flair to the role before stepping onto the West End stage for a 17-week run from March 17 to July 11, 2026.

The musical, based on a true story and the 2005 film of the same name, follows Charlie Price, a man who inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory. His fortunes turn when he meets Lola, a charismatic cabaret performer, inspiring Charlie to launch a line of high-heeled boots that revitalises the business. The show features a celebrated book by Harvey Fierstein and a pop-infused score composed by Cyndi Lauper. According to Lauper, Kinky Boots has an uplifting impact on audiences, spreading joy and acceptance—a sentiment she emphasised in light of the turbulent times audiences face today.

Radebe’s journey to this moment has been extraordinary. Born in the township of Zamdela, South Africa, he left home at 21 to pursue dance, initially performing in cruise ship ensembles before rising to public prominence through Strictly Come Dancing. Reflecting on his career in an interview, he described the opportunity to play Lola as a dream realised after six years of dedication, praising the warm welcome he has received from the theatre community. His appearances on Strictly were groundbreaking too, notably reaching the final in 2021 as part of the show’s first all-male dance couple alongside Bake Off star John Whaite.

The current tour of Kinky Boots continues to draw audiences across the UK and Ireland, with performances in cities such as Liverpool, Dublin, and Oxford. However, those intending to see Radebe live should verify show schedules, as he may not appear at every performance. Directed by Nikolai Foster, the production has been praised for its vibrant storytelling and unforgettable music, attributes that are expected to resonate strongly once it returns to London.

Tickets for the West End run will go on sale on July 15, 2025. As Kinky Boots prepares to grace the London stage once more, Johannes Radebe’s debut in this beloved role adds an inspiring chapter to the musical’s ongoing legacy—celebrating resilience, identity, and the power of a well-crafted dance number to change lives.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

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Freshness check

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being July 7, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The update may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The quotes from Johannes Radebe and Cyndi Lauper are unique to this report, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative originates from The Irish News, a reputable organisation. However, the report is based on a press release, which may not always provide the same level of scrutiny as independent journalism.

Plausability check

Score:
9

Notes:
The claims about Johannes Radebe’s West End debut in ‘Kinky Boots’ are plausible and align with other reputable sources. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. No excessive or off-topic details are present. The tone is appropriate for a press release.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is fresh, with no discrepancies or signs of disinformation. The quotes are unique, and the source is reputable. The claims are plausible and consistent with other reputable sources.