Cyndi Lauper joined the cast of Kinky Boots on stage at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last night (February 4) (Image: Phil Tragen)

Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe was seen getting emotional when he was joined on stage by a music legend following a performance of his latest hit show in Manchester.

The professional dancer is currently making his musical theatre debut on a UK tour of acclaimed show Kinky Boots, which began a five-night residency at Manchester’s Palace Theatre last night (February 4).

Taking on the lead role of drag queen Lola, Johannes, 37, was described as being ‘born to play the role’ in a glittering four-star review from the M.E.N. Inspired by the 2005 hit film, the musical features original songs written by 80s songstress Cydni Lauper – who was on hand to give her blessing to the UK tour’s cast and crew.

During the curtain call after the first performance in Manchester, the music legend made a surprise appearance on stage after being introduced by Johannes as ‘the incomparable Miss Cyndi Lauper’. To huge applause from the crowd, the singer

“Thank you all for coming,” she told the sold-out crowd. “This is my first time seeing [the UK tour], and it was so amazing and you guys had so much heart.”

Johannes was seen fighting back tears on stage after Cyndi appeared with the cast during the curtain call (Image: Phil Tragen)
Fighting back tears, Johannes then added to the crowd: “Thank you for the most beautiful evening from us to you, thank you.”

Written by Harvey Fierstein and directed by Nikolai Foster, the show co-stars Dan Partridge, alongside Courtney Bowman, Scott Paige and Newtion Matthews. Set in Sheffield, the show follows a young worker who inherits a shoe factory in dire financial straits – but their fortunes turn around thanks to the help of cabaret singer and drag performer Lola.

Cyndi Lauper posed for photos with Johannes and the cast of Kinky Boots after their debut show in Manchester (Image: Phil Tragen)
Following its Manchester run, Kinky Boots will continue its UK tour with stops in Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, Bristol and Liverpool. It will play at the Palace Theatre until Saturday (February 8).

Meanwhile, Cyndi will be returning to Manchester this weekend as she undergoes her own UK tour – which has been billed as a farewell to her fans. Marking her first major European run in a decade, she will bring the ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ farewell tour to Co-op Live on Sunday (February 9).