In the brand-new Made at Curve production of Kinky Boots, Kara Lily Hayworth is set to play Nicola when the musical opens on 17th January at Leicester Curve, and it will tour around the UK and Ireland, which is currently booking until 26th July in Oxford. Kinky Boots is directed by Nikolai Foster and Kara will be working alongside a cast including Dan Partridge as Charlie Price, Johannes Radebe as Lola, Newtion Matthews as Alternate Lola and Courtney Bowman as Lauren. In 2019, Kara was touring as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and her further theatre projects include playing Maggie May in the London revival of Maggie May at Finborough Theatre, starring as Cilla in Cilla the Musical on tour, and she had her first taste of theatre on the National Tour of Annie at the age of 11. As a singer, Kara was part of Zyrah Rose, who reached the Semi-Finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2016. Chatting to us, Kara told us about her new role of Nicola in the upcoming Kinky Boots tour, playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret and performing as Maggie May in Maggie May and Cilla in Cilla the Musical.

From 17th January, you will be playing Nicola in the brand-new Made at Curve production of Kinky Boots, how does it feel to be returning to the stage for the upcoming UK and Ireland Tour?

I am unbelievably excited to be a part of this production. It’s my first big show back since having my little boy (who’s three now) so it feels like a very big step for me. I can’t wait to get back on stage, I’ve missed it! And what a production to be coming back with, I’m feeling very lucky.

What are you looking forward to for opening in Kinky Boots and touring with the musical?

Working with the amazing cast and the incredible director Nikolai (Foster). I can’t wait to see this fresh new take on such a fabulous show.

Was there anything that drew you to Kinky Boots and can you tell us about the show and your character?

It’s an important story that I think is still very much so in 2024. I think Nicola is a fab character and often seen as the bad guy but I’m hoping I can show another side to her as well.

What will you bring to the role of Nicola and what do you think she’ll be like to play?

Well, I think I’m going to be rocking some fab outfits (and shoes, of course) so a lot of sass. She’s a woman who knows what she wants but is also pretty left out and let down by Charlie so I hope I can get that across and show she’s not all bad, haha!

How has it been meeting and working with the rest of the cast, which includes Dan Partridge as Charlie Price, Johannes Radebe as Lola, Newtion Matthews as Alternate Lola and Courtney Bowman as Lauren, and being directed by Nikolai Foster?

Just brilliant, they are such a talented bunch and so, so lovely too. It already feels like such a positive environment and I’m thrilled to be in the room.

What are you enjoying most about being part of Kinky Boots so far?

I haven’t stopped grinning since we started, hearing the book and songs come to life is pretty special.

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see the UK and Ireland Tour of Kinky Boots, which is booking until 26th July in Oxford?

A show you know and love with a bold new take on it with an incredible cast! You will feel so much joy seeing this show.

What are some of your favourite highlights from starring as Sally Bowles in the 2019 UK Tour of Cabaret?

I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to play Sally Bowles, my absolute dream role.

How was it getting into character as Sally Bowles and what was the musical like to perform in?

We had amazing direction from Rufus Norris and Tim Welton, who really helped me find the character. It was a joy from start to finish!

Can you tell us about your time as Maggie May in the London revival of Maggie May at the Finborough Theatre?

It was my first role after Cilla and I got to play another Liverpudlian leading lady in a small, intimate venue which was amazing. After performing to some big audiences, it was lovely to do something different like this.

How did you find the experience portraying Cilla in Cilla the Musical and how did you prepare for taking on the role?

It was amazing playing a real life person and I did a lot of research to try and get the mannerisms and vocals as accurate as possible. I was very lucky her son was working on the production so it gave me a real insight.

How was it performing the music and telling Cilla Black’s story to audiences around the country?

She was such a well-loved personality and I really felt that from the audience. It felt like a huge responsibility but I felt very privileged to be given that trust.

In 2016, you reached the Semi-Finals of Britain’s Got Talent as part of the vocal group Zyrah Rose, do you have any stand-out memories from performing with Zyrah Rose that you can share?

I got to perform with some of my best friends and it was a whirlwind experience but so exciting to perform on live television.

How did you get into acting and singing and did you always know you wanted a career in the musical theatre industry?

I knew from a very young age that this was what I was I wanted to do. I played Annie on the National Tour at age 11 and that gave me the bug.

What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?

I watched Nikolai’s Made at Curve production of My Fair Lady and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Eliza Doolittle has always been a dream role of mine. My other recent faves are Come From Away and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York).

How do you like to spend your free time?

Looking after my gorgeous little boy!

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