Kinky Boots

From the makers of Calendar Girls comes another charming film about people doing what is least expected of them.

Set in grey and wet Northampton, England, Kinky Boots is based on the true story of a shoe factory that is forced to adapt in order to survive in a world of cheap imports.

Charlie Price's (Edgerton) father dies suddenly and he unexpectedly finds himself in charge of Price and Sons, the family shoe factory, which has been making classic brogues for decades.

Returning from London where he had just moved with his ambitious girlfriend, Charlie finds the factory in limbo without his father at the helm, and, shockingly, facing financial ruin. While Charlie has neither the passion nor the leadership qualities of his father, something he is more than aware of, he slowly becomes increasingly determined to salvage the family business.

One a trip to London, he drunkenly attempts to help a young woman being harassed on the street by thugs only to discover that she is a he, and is more than capable of looking after himself.

Lola (portrayed brilliantly by Chiwetel Ejiofor) drags Charlie back to her cabaret club where he is introduced to a world of drag acts, cross-dressing and erotic boots for men, ultimately leading to the unconventional idea that might just save his factory.

Kinky Boots is a film about people who have to step out of their comfort zone, and challenge their beliefs to save their jobs. It unfolds much as you'd expect, with the comedy based on throwing radically different people from different worlds together, and the energy from colourful drag performances.

Full of sass, the film is a cross between The Full Monty and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, a sweet, charming, feelgood film that won't linger long on your mind, but will put a smile on your face.

CAST: Joel Edgerton, Linda Bassett, Josh Cole, Gwenllian Davies, Chiwetel Ejiofor
DIRECTOR: Julian Jarrold
RUNNING TIME: 107 mins
RATING: M, contains low level offensive language
SCREENING: Village, Hoyts and Berkeley cinemas