Kinky Boots

Follow Us:

A very warm welcome to you all from Cassio Productions to the Watford Palace Theatre for our production of 'Kinky Boots'.  We are so excited to be back at the Watford Palace and we hope you enjoy the show.

'Kinky Boots' 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 to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he's meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible... and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

If you are interested in joining or helping with Cassio then please let us know by talking to any one of us after the show or contacting us via our Facebook page or website pages.

Our next show will be 'Urinetown' which will be at the Henderson Hub in Abbots Langley from 1st - 4th May 2024 before we come back to the Watford Palace next with 'Oliver!' from 15th - 19th October 2024. We will be needing both boys and girls to join our cast of Oliver! so if you are interested then please email enquiries@cassioproductions.co.uk

Now sit back and relax and enjoy the show!

Director's Notes

Welcome to the stunning Watford Palace Theatre and this production of Kinky Boots. The last few years have been particularly challenging for live theatre so thank you for choosing to spend your evening with us. I am confident we will make it worth your while!  

The world has changed considerably since Kinky Boots first entered the cultural sphere via film in 2005 (starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nick Frost and Sarah Jane Potts) then as the Broadway and West End musical in 2012. Some of these changes are for the better, others sadly not so much. With yet more work still to be done across the world to achieve true equality, presenting this show, at this time feels very prescient indeed.

At the heart of this (mostly) true story is a very clear and concise message: “Accept someone for who they are”. So, as you enjoy the colour, energy and magic on stage, I’d invite you to suspend your disbelief and open your mind. For some, this story may be familiar, for others it will not. Regardless of your own experience, live in the moment and reflect on that message.

Enjoy! 

Chris Wheeler - Director

Song List

Act One

Price &  Son Theme

The Most Beautiful Thing

The Funeral

Take What you Got

Land of Lola

Land of Lola Reprise

Step One

Sex is in the Heel

Price & Son Theme (Reprise)

The History of Wrong Guys

I'm Not my Father's Son

Everybody Say Yeah

There will be a 20 minute interval between acts

Act Two

Entr'acte / Price and Son (Reprise)

What a Woman Wants

In This Corner

Charlie's Sad Soliloquy

The Soul of a Man

Sex is in the Heel (Reprise)

Hold me in Your Heart

Wrong Guys (Reprise)

Raise You Up / Just Be

Bows

Exit

Cast

The Band

Meet the Company

Matthew Bund

Lola/Simon

[They/them] This is M's 10th show with Cassio. Their previous roles include Sweaty Eddie in 'Sister Act', Galahad In 'Spamalot', Warner in 'Legally Blonde', Don Lockwood in 'Singin' in the Rain' and Willard in 'Footloose'. They are excited to be stepping into the fabulous shoes of Lola after a break from theatre. They would like to thank the cast and crew for the wonderful experience.

Graeme Smith

Charlie

[He/him] has been performing since a young age and this is his second musical with Cassio Productions at the Watford Palace after playing the very different yet equally challenging Che in Evita last November. He is thrilled to have been able to go through this process with the whole team and is so proud of all the hard work every single person has put in to make this show fantastic!

Bethany Revens

Lauren

[She/her] Beth studied at Chickenshed Theatre company in Inclusive Theatre/ Performing Arts, then went into learning British sign language which she incorporates into her business ‘BB’s Parties’ where she sings and performs as a Princess. Beth has been performing since she was 4 years old in her local theatre group with Drama Spectrum. She also achieved her Grade 8 in musical theatre. This is her second production with Cassio after playing ‘Mistress’ in Evita and she cannot wait to perform again at the Watford Palace Theatre.

Anya Bricknell

Nicola

[She/her] This is Anya's 6th show with Cassio and she is thrilled to be back for another year, even if her feet disagree! Her previous roles include Vivienne in 'Legally Blonde' (Cassio), Hope in 'Urinetown' (ROSS) and Rita in 'Made in Dagenham' (ROSS). She hopes you enjoy the show.

James Nolan

Don

[He/him] This is James' Watford Palace Theatre debut! He performed in 'The Cabaret Of Musicals' show with Cassio at the Henderson Hub earlier this year, which was his first time on stage since secondary school. At school he performed in many shows including as Bob Cratchit in Ebenezer, Prince Charming in Cinderella and Rev Wilkins in Bendigo Boswell; all of which were a long time ago! He is excited to be taking on the role of Don in Kinky Boots at an amazing theatre and hopes you enjoy the show.

Mel Hobbs

Pat

[She/her] Mel has been performing with Cassio at the Watford Palace since she was 15 (so not very long at all). She is delighted to be working for the first time with Chris, Jonni and Simone. She is somewhat less delighted at the prospect of dancing in the heels of our Kinky Boots. We’ll see! Enjoy and remember Just Be What You Wanna Be!

Kristy Miall

Trish

[She/her] This is Kristy's third show with Cassio (after Spamalot & Sister Act) and she excited to be taking on her first speaking part in over 13 years! What makes this experience even more meaningful is that she gets to share the stage for the first time with her son, Max. Previous shows with other companies include Calamity Jane (Katie Brown) and Oliver! (Ensemble).

Alex Kenny

George

[He/him] Alex has been performing with Cassio for over 20 years and this will be his 17th show with the society. Particular show highlights in that time are Our House!, The Wedding Singer, Spamalot, Sister Act and Evita last year. He has also performed with other local societies such as WOS Productions and Rickmansworth Players. This is the second time this year that he has played a character called George - the last time was in the Drowsy Chaperone with WOS Productions in February where he played best man to one of our Angels!!

Neil Revens

Mr Price

[He/him] This is Neil’s third production with Cassio at the Palace Theatre. He started acting at the age of 13 as a founder member of Chicken Shed and Boden Studios where he became a Licentate to London Academy of Dramatic Art. He has performed with many theatre groups directing several plays on the way. Favourite roles have included "Warbucks" in Annie, "Harding" in Cuckoo Nest, "Fagin" in Oliver and numerous Dame roles in Panto. He is thrilled to be performing on stage again with his daughter Beth, and daughter in law Sophie.

Georgia Tomlinson

Harry/Ensemble

[She/her] Georgia's first show with Cassio Productions was in Annie when she was just 9 years old. Since then she has performed in many shows with Cassio Productions such as A Chorus Line, Footloose, The Wedding Singer, Our House and Hello Dolly. Outside of Cassio Productions Georgia runs a children's theatre company called Act2Act Youth Theatre. She can't wait to perform again at the Watford Palace Theatre.

Max Miall

Young Lola

Max’s first acting appearance was in Call The Midwife when, at just 3 weeks old, he played baby girl, Marina (series 5, ep 3). After inheriting a love for musical theatre, he is very excited to be performing alongside his Mum in his first ever show. Max is a member of Starlight Youth Theatre Group, and currently in rehearsals for We Will Rock You, on in Ruislip in the spring.

Freddie Miller

Young Lola

Freddie is a keen singer, winning the Watford Festival Tracey King Cup earlier this year. As a member of Stage Coach and a musical theatre group called Pepper Pot; Freddie has participated in many showcases/productions starring as the Artful Dodger, Humpty Dumpty, and The Mad Hatter.

Rahzae-Lei Barnett

Young Charlie

Rahzae-Lei born in Georgia, USA in 2014 moved to England at 3 years old. Rahzae-Lei has never done acting before, but he has a passion for entertaining people. One day he hopes to be a comedian and/or actor.

Benedict Hayhoe

Young Charlie

Benedict is very excited to be part of Cassio Productions’ Kinky Boots at the Watford Palace Theatre. He is part of the award-winning Watford Pump House Children and Youth Theatre group and has recently enjoyed playing a penguin in Madagascar as well as taking a supporting role in the Youth Group’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Sarah Clampton

Angel

[She/her] This is Sarah’s third appearance with Cassio Productions and second performance at Watford Palace. She has been dancing and performing since she was 4 and her passion for musical theatre blossomed whilst she was at secondary school. She graduated in 2019 with a degree in Musical Theatre from The Hammond School and, after the pandemic got in the way of professional work, she now loves being able to perform with Cassio alongside her day job. She is excited to be playing an Angel in this year's production and hopes you enjoy the show!

Emma Hooley

Angel

[She/her] This is Emma's third show with Cassio (including Evita at the Palace last year). She studied Performing Arts at college and has been dancing since the age of 4, including styles of ballet, tap & modern jazz. Previous roles have included "Little Red Riding Hood" in Into the Woods and "Wendy" in Peter Pan. She's thrilled to be playing an Angel, strutting in 6-inch heels and bringing her drag queen to life

Rob Jarman

Angel

[He/him] Rob has been performing with Cassio Productions for 22 years. He trained at the Northern Ballet School and performed with English National Ballet and Manchester City Ballet (when he was considerably younger). Rob is looking forward to being an Angel but is no stranger to high heels having performed as a Cagelle in one of his favourite shows, La Cages aux Folles at Wimbledon Theatre, Hampton Hill Playhouse and Wyllyotts Centre.

Holly Noble

Angel

[She/her] This is Holly’s Watford Palace Theatre debut and her first big show with Cassio Productions! Holly choreographed and musical directed ‘A Cabaret of Musicals’ earlier on this year and is now thrilled to be on the other side and performing in the show herself. Holly has been performing and dancing since the age of 2, alongside her Mum (which she still loves doing today!), and has continued to develop her love for the theatre as she has grown up, graduating with a theatre degree in 2020 and is now in the process of training to be a drama teacher. She feels honoured to be playing the role of an ‘Angel’ in this year’s production and hopes that you all enjoy the show!’

Noah Smith

Angel

[He/him] This is Noah's debut performance with Cassio Productions and is delighted to take part in one of his favourite musicals. He is incredibly excited to be stepping into the role of one of Lola's fabulous Angels and has found a hidden talent of being able to dance in 6 inch heels! He looks forward to everyone seeing him strut his stuff.

Ruby Waghorn

Angel

[She/her] Ruby has been performing since the age of 8, starting at the Pump House in Watford and then went on to study Performing Arts at The University of Gloucestershire. In her spare time she can be found doing celebrity & character impressions on her social media and at local events such as the Watford Fringe. This is Ruby’s second year with Cassio Productions and she can’t wait to appear as one of the Angels and hopes you love the show!

Ellie Barrett

Ensemble

[She/her] Ellie’s love for theatre started at age 8 when she joined The Pump House Children & Youth. She then went on to study Drama & Performance at the University of Portsmouth, graduating in 2019. Ellie can’t wait to be back on the Watford Palace Theatre stage after Evita last year and is delighted to be doing Kinky Boots. She hopes you enjoy the show (and the shoes!)

Nicola Bedenham

Ensemble

[She/her] Kinky Boots will be Nicola’s 5th show and 4th with Cassio Productions, swapping her art teaching skills for sewing boots in the factory. Her previous shows include, The Wedding singer (2014), Singing in the rain (2015) and Guys and Dolls (2018). She is delighted to be part of the ensemble and performing back at the Palace Theatre.

Judi Campion

Ensemble/Stage Manager on some performances

[She/her] This will be Judi's first show with Cassio. She is however no stranger to the stage having belonged to several musical groups over the years, playing many lead roles along with choreographing and being part of the production teams. She is very excited to perform at 'The Palace' and has really enjoyed making new friends at the group.

Debbie Day

Ensemble

[She/her] Debbie has been doing shows with Cassio for the past 10 years and has been performing, directing and choreographing shows for other theatre groups including ROS, WOS Productions, Centre Stage London, GEOIDS, Brighton Theatre Group and GST. She is looking forward to directing Cassio’s production of Oliver at the Palace Theatre in October 2024.

Rebecca Espinoza

Ensemble/Stage Manager on some performances

[She/her] Rebecca is back for her eleventh show with Cassio Productions, having made her debut in 'The Sound of Music' back in 1995, playing the role of Brigitta. Some of her favourite roles over the years include Chutney in 'Legally Blonde,' Ensemble member in 'Spamalot,' and Sarah Brown in 'Guys and Dolls.' She's also a member of The Pump House Theatre Company, where she's taken on roles like Yvette in 'Allo 'Allo' and Mary in 'How The Other Half Loves.' Rebecca's thrilled to be back on stage at the Watford Palace Theatre, and this time, she's wearing some seriously high heels!

Lynsey Hall

Ensemble

[She/her] Lynsey joined Cassio Operatic in 1992 at the age of 15 and has been involved in most of the shows since then either as a performer or a member of the backstage crew. Over the years she has been lucky enough to make many good friends and have a lot of fun along the way; even finding a husband amongst this wonderful company!! After a break of about 5 years she decided to tread the boards once again and go back on stage. This show has most definitely taken the cast on a journey and she hopes that you will all enjoy coming along with us for the ride.

Catherine Imrie

Ensemble

[She/her] Catherine's amateur dramatics journey began in 1995, thanks to her aunt, Sheila Thomas' introduction to Cassio. She's been a part of countless productions, with a standout role as Ruth in "Calendar Girls" in Chesham, and the biggest backstage challenge as Deputy Stage Manager for a semi-professional "The Little Mermaid" production in Redbridge. Her performance in Kinky Boots is dedicated to Auntie Sheila, who we sadly lost recently and is much missed.

Sam Keyte

Ensemble

[She/her] Kinky Boots is Sam’s seventh show with Cassio. She has previously performed in ‘Hello Dolly’, ‘A Chorus Line’, ‘Footloose’, ‘The Wedding Singer’, ‘All Together Now’, and ‘Cabaret of Musicals’. Sam has also performed with Ricky Players as Claire in ‘Made in Dagenham’, Dolly in ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, and Ernestina in ‘Hello Dolly’ as well as various ensemble roles.

Jessica Redman

Ensemble

[She/her] Jessica is delighted to be performing again with Cassio after joining them last year for Evita and has a deep admiration for Lola and the Angels for wearing killer heels from the get go. She has a long history with amdram - too many years to mention! Some of her favourite shows she has been involved with are: Pippin, I Love You You're Perfect Now Change, Blood Brothers, Jesus Christ Superstar, Drowsy Chaperone, Steel Magnolias and A Slice of Saturday Night.

Sophie Revens

Ensemble

[She/her] This is Sophie's first show with Cassio. Over the past 10 years she has performed with a dance troupe on many stages, a highlight being at The Royal Albert Hall, and is excited to be involved in her first musical theatre performance since being in school. She has really enjoyed being part of the show and meeting the cast and crew and is looking forward to performing at the Palace!

John Riding

Ensemble

[He/him] This is John’s debut show performing as an adult. He has thrown himself whole heartedly into the production, taking on many roles in the show. You will see him as Lola’s dad and working in the factory but he is most excited about having the chance to play the flamboyant referee announcer. He is grateful for the chance to perform at the Palace theatre with Cassio and excited to show his versatility.

Ella Rogers

Ensemble

[She/her] Ella has been with Cassio Productions since moving to Watford in 2018. She has performed in numerous productions and earlier this year made her directing debut with A Cabaret of Musicals.

Alison Saggars

Ensemble/Stage Manager on some performances

[She/her] Kinky Boots is Alison’s 7th show with Cassio, the first being Footloose in 2013 in which she played Vi. Although a latecomer to AmDram she is most definitely hooked and her favourite role was Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act in 2019. She has enjoyed her Italian cameo role and being in the ensemble this year, and is excited to be back performing at the Palace after a 4 year break.

Lucy Scarlett

Ensemble

[She/her] This is Lucy's second show with Cassio after performing in A Cabaret of Musicals in May. Having performed in many youth productions over the years she is excited to be performing at the Watford Palace.

Rachel Walker

Ensemble

[She/her] This is Rachel's second Show with Cassio having performed in 'A Cabaret of Musicals' in May. A keen singer from a young age, she had a long break from performing, but really enjoys rehearsing and performing with Cassio now. She is very excited to be performing at Watford Palace Theatre.

Chris Wheeler

Director

Chris is the Co-Founder of A Spotlight On (the online streaming home for theatre) and the Creative Producer of theatre production company Harlequin Theatricals. Previously, he was the Touring Producer for Curve, Leicester working on productions such as An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical, Sunset Boulevard (Directed by Nikolai Foster), George’s Marvellous Medicine, Pink Sari Revolution (Directed by Suba Das) and Scrooge, the Associate to Producer Glynis Hall on STOMP (International Tour), The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson (Park Theatre, London) and Life of Pi (West End) and the Executive Producer at Paul Morrissey Ltd on La Bamba The Musical (UK Tour), When Darkness Falls (Park Theatre and UK Tour) and Wickies (Park Theatre, London). Directing credits include: Shrek The Musical and Madagascar The Musical (Casino Theatre, Geneva) and Guys and Dolls, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors and (Simply Theatre, Geneva). Chris is also on the board of PROUD Watford and sits on the Cultural Leaders Board in Watford.

Simone Chiappi

Musical Director

[He/him] Simone has an extensive background as a musical director, having contributed to numerous productions with local theatre groups. Among his favourites are "The Producers", "Merrily We Roll Along" and "Sunset Boulevard", which featured a full orchestra. In addition to his directing role, Simone co-directs a choir and is a composer and arranger. He composed the music for "Shackleton", a musical based on the British explorer's polar expedition. Simone is excited about his debut collaboration with Cassio Productions and hopes that you'll enjoy the show as much as he did.

Jonni Gatenby

Choreographer

[He/him] Jonni has been dancing since the age of 4 and moved to London from Yorkshire when he was 18 to train professionally at the Urdang Academy in London. After working in the musical theatre Industry for nearly ten years, he has also taught and choreographed for the past few years and has thoroughly enjoyed getting to work with the Cassio team and cast!

Dee Keyte

Assistant to the Director

Lauren Robson

Stage Manager

Katie Barrett

Deputy Stage Manager

Ian Duggan

Assistant Stage Manager

Phil McCusker

Assistant Stage Manager

Nikki Scott

Production Coordinator

Jack Weir

Lighting Designer

Jason Brameld

Sound Designer

Chris Swallow

Set Coordinator

Scenic Projects

Set Providers

Dee Keyte with Alex Underwood, Dotti Lawson, & Jill Gillam

Wardrobe

DS Smith Design

Costume. Wigs and Boots Providers

Ian Parrot & Fran Swallow

Follow Spot Operators

Sadie Rose, Grace W, Isabel Hattersley, Ella Coe, Rose Hardy, Sophie Fleming, Ariarina, Gina Dimitru, Oliva Sadler, Megan Bax, Amy Day

Make up

Lucy Faulkner, Sarah Clampton, Ellie Barrett & Alex Kenny

Marketing Team

Jill Gillam, Dotti Lawson, Alex Underwood, Debbie Revens, Lucy Faulkner, Tim Redman, Karen Wakely, Juliette Elvin, Amy Scarlett

Front of House

Andrea Bright

Construction & Show Crew

Caroline Carter

Construction & Show Crew

Colin Chamberlain

Construction & Show Crew

Albert Chinn

Construction & Show Crew

Rob Hall

Construction & Show Crew

Clare Hamilton

Construction & Show Crew

Alice Hilder

Construction & Show Crew

Amanda Lawes

Construction & Show Crew

Dave Lee

Construction & Show Crew

Jessica Mayhew

Construction & Show Crew

Josh Mayhew

Construction & Show Crew

Marc McDonald

Construction & Show Crew

Sarah Molloy

Construction & Show Crew

Ben Mulcahy

Construction & Show Crew

Chip Nicholas

Construction & Show Crew

Vicki Pettifer

Construction & Show Crew

Anne Richardson

Construction & Show Crew

Katie Robson

Construction & Show Crew

Mandy Robson

Construction & Show Crew

Simon Robson

Construction & Show Crew

Jon Sadie

Construction & Show Crew

Louis Torrano

Construction & Show Crew

Steven Webb

Construction & Show Crew

Charlie Williams

Construction & Show Crew

Jane Williams

Construction & Show Crew

Owen Williams

Construction & Show Crew

Tom Williams

Construction & Show Crew

Jeremy Cohen & Emily Sissons

Chaperones

About Cassio Productions

Who We Are
Cassio Productions produce musical theatre in the Watford Area. We are a membership-based group staging quality musical theatre shows at least once a year. Purely for fun, our performers and technicians rehearse and perform together in a vibrant and creative atmosphere. The group is primarily for adults (age 16+) who rehearse in the evenings, several times a week and occasionally at weekends. We welcome those who enjoy theatre purely as a hobby but we also enjoy working with those who already have or aspire to work in the professional theatre.

The first Cassio show was in 1949 when friends, drawn from the choir of St Michael's Church in Watford who before the Second World War gave concerts, decided to branch out and produce pantomimes and shows. This group used the name Cassio Operatic Society for a number of years before changing to being Cassio Productions which is now our official name.

From our humble beginnings Cassio has gone from strength to strength and we now promote our large-scale productions around the area.

For nearly sixty years Cassio have performed shows at the Watford Palace Theatre, a wonderfully restored Edwardian Theatre in the heart of the town. Other venues in Watford have included the Pump House Theatre and the James Theatre with performances further afield at Watersmeet in Rickmansworth and the Henderson Hub in Abbots Langley.

Our Grateful Thanks

Our Grateful thanks go to

• Watford Palace Theatre and staff
• Leavesden Green JMI School where we rehearse
• Rennie & Co for sponsoring this production
• Scenic Projects for the Set
• DS Design Ltd for Costumes, Wigs and Boots
• The Friends of Cassio Productions
• Steve Pateman
• Lucy Faulkner for marketing designs
• Miriam for Make-up and dancing tutorials
• Amy Day for Make up support
• Our front of house team
• Our Chaperones Emily and Jeremy
• Rachel and the team at Beauty and Co in Abbots Langley for their help with our Lola with waxing and nails!
• Spar Abbots Langley for loan of delivery cage

Cassio Management Team

Adverts