It’s the summer of 1963. Naive, infantilised teenager Frances (Baby) Houseman (here played by Kira Malou) is a girl on the cusp of adulthood. She’s also having the time of her life whilst on vacation with her respectable, middle-class parents and ditsy older sister, Lisa (Daisy Steere). The reason? Well, much to the dismay of her folks, Baby has fallen in love with resident dance instructor Johnny Castle (Michael O’Reilly). The relationship transforms her from a shy, clumsy, awkward girl into a self-assured, newly awakened young woman - one who also learns to be a highly skilled dancer in record time!
The above is pretty much the storyline of Dirty Dancing - originally a hit movie starring Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze, now a breathtaking stage musical. 

The theatrical version, stopping off in Birmingham this week, features many of the film’s best-known songs, including She’s Like The Wind, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me and the heart-stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life. The majority of numbers are performed by the ensemble or on-stage band, leaving the lead characters free to move the story along and perform the hot and sultry dance moves.

There is fantastic chemistry between Malou and O’Reilly in the lead roles. Both give compelling performances, as Baby and Johnny’s unconventional relationship crosses the class divide of the 1960s. 
Special mention should also go to Georgia Aspinall as Penny, Johnny’s dance partner. Her shimmying hips and incredible high-kicks are a sight to behold! 

Steere, too, as Baby’s sister gives a knockout performance, bringing great humour to the role. Her memorable Hula song is excruciatingly funny!
The show is awash with vibrant performances, the dancing and choreography are truly spectacular - the famous final lift is stunning - and the costumes and sets effectively call to mind both the original movie and the era in which the story takes place.

Dirty Dancing is romantic musical entertainment at its best - seriously sexy but at the same time genuinely funny, making it an irresistible experience not only for fans of the movie but also for anybody experiencing its magic for the very first time. 

The audience absolutely loved last night’s performance, showing their appreciation with rapturous applause and a standing ovation. This is definitely a show not to be missed. In fact, who knows... you might even have the time of your life. 

Five stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 18 July at The Alexandra, Birmingham, where it shows until Saturday (22 July).

Last night was truly a night to remember in Stoke as the current touring stage adaptation of the iconic film Dirty Dancing opened at the Regent Theatre to mark the 35th Anniversary of the iconic film of the 80s, much loved and remembered by so many with both fondness and excitement combined.   

The current production had the audience enthralled from start to finish with emotive acting, outstanding dancing and a sound track so memorable and reminiscent of times gone by that it transported all present back to a period where love and the coming of age seemed the most important purpose of existence. The adored characters of Francis “Baby” Houseman and Johnny Castle seemed to touch a chord with the audience as they lived the universal experience of wanting to find that special person and to be with them for ever, a desire often associated with youth but very much applicable to all.

The film Dirty Dancing was released in 1987 and became hugely successful not only for the love story it told but also for the superb choreography on display and the original and memorable soundtrack. It also catapulted both Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey to stratospheric heights and so to transfer such a film to the stage is no mean feat but it is an adaptable classic and Kira Malou as Baby alongside Michael O’Reilly playing Johnny do it supreme justice in their portrayal of the unlikely lovers from different sides of the tracks. Their presence on stage is electrifying and mesmeric as they weave emotion and chorographical genius. Both are outstanding in their respective roles.

The musical opens in a holiday resort in 1963, post Cuban missile crisis and in an America where Dr Martin Luther King was calling for civil rights, peace and activism. It was a transitional time for youth and Francis “Baby” Houseman does not know it but she is about to have the time of her life on an unforgettable and life changing trip. The narrative very much focuses on the cultural norms of an era and challenges those perceptions with authenticity, humour and fabulous entertainment.

With a sterling cast and excellent musicianship plus sublime choreography, the latter coordinated by Austin Wilks, and all under the direction of Federico Bellone, the production team is extensive and impressive.  In particular and on stage, Colin Charles is totally engaging as Tito Suarez and Lydia Sterling as Elizabeth has a voice which is powerfully memorable. Georgia Aspinall is awesome in the role as Penny and Jack Loy perfectly fatherly as Dr. Jake Houseman. The cast and ensemble in general is of the highest standard and as such, the film has moved seamlessly from the big screen to the boards and lost none of the excitement and enthrallment to entertain and delight.

Ultimately, Dirty Dancing remains a big draw and success because it’s a great story which is relatable and accessible.  ove, heartache, dancing, transitioning from childhood to adulthood and good intentions are all values and experiences which are ever present and will remain so. As such the story of Dirty Dancing will keep on running. Do not miss this production if you want an exciting and uplifting night out.

Five stars

Reviewed by Carol Lovatt at Regent Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent on Tuesday 4 July.