One of the greatest musicals of the 21st century, the unstoppable ‘Kinky Boots’, is stomping into Darlington this May.

The best musicals often arise from the most unlikely sources. ‘Kinky Boots’, for instance, is based on the 2005 film of the same name, which, itself, was another unlikely hit. Based on a true, but unlikely story, it tells the story of Charlie Price who has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory – which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up his father’s legacy, and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous drag entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely (that word again) pair find that they have more in common than they realised. Needless to say, they soon discover that when you change your mind, YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. Cyndi Lauper’s Tony and Grammy award winning score is straight out of the top drawer and I expect this production from DarlingtonOS to do it full justice.

Kinky Boots, 1-11 May, Darlington Hippodrome, 7.30pm, (mat 4 May 2pm), from £16, darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk