“Kinky Boots”- I came so close to being a Lola cover on Broadway. Got to the finals for the West End production. Not booking it did something to my Spirit. So, when Piers Cottee-Jones offered me to have a go at “Lola,” I was immediately triggered. I’m glad I got over that. I’m a BELIEVER, and believe in divine-timing. God-The Universe knew I was not ready (mentally/spiritually) to take on Lola on Broadway nor in the West End. It would have taken me back to a place of self-medicating and ruined everything I’ve worked so hard to BUILD! This concert was EXACTLY what I needed at the RIGHT TIME, with the right people! Piers—-The LOVE and support that you show to me as a Producer and FRIEND, is ridiculous and ridiculously appreciated. Thanks for gifting me the opportunity to finally step into Lola’s boots. It has changed my LIFE, and restored my faith in good people and God-timing. I’m forever in your debt. Freddie Tapner-Thanks for trusting and allowing me to JUST BE ME!!! You’ve always had my back, and I will spend the rest of this LIFE trying to repay you. I look forward to the next venture. Omar F Okai-It was fast and a bit frazzled, but THANK YOU for cultivating a safe and “sacred” space to explore this show/character. I’ll take center-stage for you anytime. Joel, Courtney my ANGELS and the entire “Kinky Clan”...thank you for HOLDing ME IN YOUR HEART!!! I’d beat a b*tch over the head for any one of you! CHIWETEL EJIOFOR, Billy Porter, Matt Henry, Darius Anthony Harper, Ken Mosley, Kayi Ushe and Walter Lee...Thanks for the example! Feel honoured to be in the company of some of the best in the business. Tara Starr (my oldest brother), Silkie OHara Munro, Amazing Grace, Obsession, Chevelle Brooks and all the Drag Queens (Female Impersonators) that have influenced my LIFE and portrayal of this character—-THANK YOU! I hope my Lola was, at the least, half the woman you ladies are. 💅🏾 To the audiences that so overwhelmingly accepted and applauded “Lola”...You will never know how you affirmed my existence as a STORYTELLER. I say this a lot, but YOU CHANGED MY LIFE! Hope this is not my last time in the BOOTS! 📸 credit (for 90% of these photos)- Mark Senior