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ABOUT THE SHOW

THE STORY

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17 year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.
Kira Malou (Baby) Michael O'Reilly (Johnny); Dirty Dancing 217kb The Classic Story on Stage; Photo credit Mark Senior (2)
2021 Company; Dirty Dancing 225kb The Classic Story on Stage; Photo credit Mark Senior (3)
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THE MUSIC

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage features hit songs including ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart-stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’.

Many favourite original masters feature within this stage sensation which blends the movie soundtrack seamlessly with live performances by our cast. Some of these classic tracks include ‘Cry To Me’ by the larger-than-life rhythm & blues singer Solomon Burke, the No.1 hit single ‘Hey! Baby’ by Bruce Channel and ‘These Arms of Mine’, Otis Redding’s first solo record.

Other artists featured include Gene Chandler, The Chantels, The Drifters, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore, Mickey & Sylvia, The Surfaris and Django Reinhardt.

THE HISTORY

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5 year run.

Since its Australian debut in 2004, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage has become a worldwide phenomenon, with productions staged in the USA, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout Europe, consistently breaking box office records. Recent sell out tours include France, Germany and Australia. The first ever UK tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage launched in 2011 and then returned to the West End in 2013 playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London, prior to launching a second UK and Ireland tour. A further tour and West End Christmas season followed in 2016/17. It went on to embark on a 2018/19 tour, entertaining audiences up and down the country. Since then Dirty Dancing has completed two sell out West End runs at the Dominion Theatre in 2022 and 2023, toured the Uk & Ireland twice in 2021 and 2023 and played in France and Germany.

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Show Information

This performance contains haze throughout, and short moments and of strobe lighting. The Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness, injury and statutory holiday entitlement.

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a valid ticket.

Age Restrictions

The show is not advised for children under the age of 14 - there are sexual references and the storyline addresses the topic of abortion. Children under the age of 5 cannot be admitted to the auditorium and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Sights & Sounds