Liam Doyle (Kinky Boots)

With Kinky Boots continuing to dazzle audiences at the London Coliseum, we caught up with Liam Doyle, who recently stepped into the iconic red heels of Charlie Price as the show's alternate lead. Having been part of the production since its revival at Curve, Liam has spent the last 18 months covering the role whilst also playing Harry, bringing his own unique perspective to this uplifting and much-loved musical. In our conversation, he discusses his journey with Kinky Boots, the challenges and rewards of taking on Charlie, the show's enduring message of acceptance, and why audiences won't want to miss this spectacular West End run.

Q) Hello Liam, thanks for taking the time to answer your questions. Please could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about Kinky Boots?

My Name is Liam Doyle, and I am Harry/ Alternate Charlie in the ROYO/Curve production of Kinky Boots currently playing at the London Coliseum. Kinky Boots is the story of how Factory Owner Charlie and fabulous Drag Queen Lola work together to try save the family’s failing shoe making Business. It's fabulous, full of incredible music written by Cyndi Lauper and genuinely just a belter of a night out.

Q) It’s recently been announced that you are now stepping into the red heels as alternate Charlie - was Charlie Price or Kinky Boots a musical on your must do list? And if not, what made you want to be involved?

Funnily enough when we were originally rehearsing the show at Curve in December 2024, I found a text I sent asking my old agent if I could be seen for the show when it was in its original London Production. The text read "there's a role called Harry in the show, and I think he also covers Charlie...I think I'd be good at that"

The show is something I've always had on my radar, and I have also always wanted to work with Nikolai Foster, so when this show came around it was something I really wanted to be a part of.

Q) What do you think is the most rewarding thing about being an alternate Charlie, and what is the most challenging?

Having covered the role for the last 18 months, I have loved being able to find my own version of the role. Having the opportunity to do it once a week is something that I will never take for granted. So, sometimes, I actually have two halves of the same conversation across the matinee and evening shows.

Q) Kinky Boots is such a physically and mentally demanding musical - as a performer, what steps do you take to maintain your wellbeing?

Looking after your body is so important, especially when trying to get through 8 shows a week. I try to do the essentials of keeping myself hydrated and making sure I get enough sleep. I am a very active person so am either in the gym or out running most days. I ran the London marathon this year after doing 8 shows, I managed to raise over £3000 for Mind UK but I can't say that running a marathon on your day off is something I'd ever recommend to someone currently on a show.

Q) Kinky Boots has such strong themes of acceptance and identity — what do you think audiences connect with most?

I think anyone in the audience can find a character on the stage that they identify or recognise from their own life. Kinky Boots is a fantastic night out, but I feel that the audience leave the theatre with something to think about. You change the world when you change your mind is the lyric from the show that always sticks with me.

Q) Why do you think that stories like Kinky Boots are so vital in the theatre industry?

I think the world, at the moment, needs a bit more light and love in it. Teaching people to accept people for who they are is something that will never go out of style.

Q) Kinky Boots is currently playing in the London Coliseum which is the largest theatre in the West End - how do you ensure that this story resonates and allows audiences to connect with the messages and themes every night?

On our first day at the Coliseum, Nikolai Foster (director) took us to every level of the auditorium so that we could see the pure scale of the theatre. The theatre is huge but with our incredible set design, we are able to make moments in the show intimate.

Q) We must admit - the music is to die for! Do you have any particular songs that you enjoy performing, or even having the pleasure of listening to?

Watching Johannes Radebe and The Angels perform Land of Lola is something that will never get old for me. It's an incredible number choreographed to perfection by Leah Hill. The audience reaction to that show every night is like being a rock concert.

Q) Why should audiences come along to see Kinky Boots during its limited run at the London Coliseum?

I don't think you can miss Kinky Boots at the Coliseum. Incredible performances, jaw dropping performances, music that you can never get out of your head. Not only will you leave the theatre having had an incredible time, you will have learnt something too.

Kinky Boots plays at the London Coliseum until 11th July 2026 - tickets and more information can be found here.

Photography by Matt Crockett