The biggest live theatre sensation of all time.
The Observer
The biggest live theatre sensation of all time.
The Observer
Why see Dirty Dancing?
it was the summer of 1963, everybody called me baby...
Grab your high-waisted trousers and get practicing your lifts, Dirty Dancing is back in town! Set in the long hot summer of 1963, it's the classic story of Frances 'Baby' Houseman for whom a family holiday to Kellerman's holiday resort and a steamy introduction to dancing will change her whole life. With sizzling romance, sexy moves, and the movie's beloved tunes, this breathtaking musical adaptation will give you the time of your life, all over again.
I carried a watermelon: what's the story of dirty dancing
Baby Houseman is bored out of her mind on her family holiday as every good teenager should be. That is until she encounters charismatic Johnny Castle, who teaches dance at the resort. When Johnny takes her back to the staff's after-hours secret party, she is shocked to discover a vibrant underworld of 'dirty dancing'. This rock 'n' roll music is totally at odds with the kind of music that Baby has so far experienced and certainly wouldn't meet with approval from her conservative parents. It's exciting and fresh, and she begins to fall for Johnny.
When Johnny's regular dance partner Penny has to pull out of the annual Sheldrake Dance competition, Baby steps in to help. The two embark on an intense period of practise to master the routine, during which love between the pair blossoms. However, it seems their relationship is not to be as Baby's father discovers their affair and orders an immediate end to it. But Baby and Johnny must find a way...
Key Information
Dates
Finished 28 Oct 2023
Cast
Michael O'Reilly as Johnny Castle
Kira Malou as Frances 'Baby' Houseman
Georgia Aspinall as Penny Johnson
Jack Loy as Dr Jakes Houseman
Taryn Sudding as Marjorie Houseman
Daisy Steere as Lisa Houseman
Danny Colligan as Billy Kostecki
Colin Charles as Tito Suarez
Christian James as Neil Kellerman
Mark Mckerracher as Max Kellerman
Lydia Sterling as Elizabeth
Mark Faith as Mr Schumacher
With
Lowri Hamilton, Tyler Lotzof, Jody Zimmerman, Eva Phillips, Callum Fitzgerald, Michael Nelson, Joel Benjamin, Akeem Ellis-Hyman, Jenna Warne, Taylor Bridges, Daisy West, Aaron J Smith, Ayden Morgan and Thomas Inge
Kellerman's band
Richard John, Morgan Burgess, Tom Parsons, Tom Mussell, Tim Wade and Gabriel Askew
Reviews
Customer reviews
3 reviews, average rating: (5.0 Stars)
Nicola n Ange
Great show, such energy.
We really enjoyed this show, great cast and performances all round, amazing vocals, brilliant band and the choreography was so energetic. The audience including ourselves loved it. Took us back to our teenage years. ... Read more
Yvonne Runciman
What a Show- not to be missed!
Absolutely fabulous show, you really don't want to miss it!
Great cast & seamless performance by really talented dancers & singers.
Although 'Jonny & Baby' are the main characters, for me, it was Georgia Aspinall performance as 'Penny' that stole the show.... ... Read more
Yasmin Al-Sheklly
A great romantic musical with stunning choreography
What is the plot of Dirty Dancing?
Dirty Dancing centres around Frances “Baby†Houseman and her family in the summer of 1963. She is a young independent woman who spends her summer holiday at Kellerman’s. It is there where she meets Penny who is a dancer there. She offers to dance at another hotel called the Sheldrake with Penny’s dance partner who is Jonny Castle.
We witness Baby falling in love with Jonny.
Dirty Dancing is a rollercoaster journey showcasing how Baby and Jonny deal with the social barriers, the difficult expectations of life and their love and passion for dance.
What themes are explored in Dirty Dancing?
The themes that are explored in Dirty Dancing are family, friendship, love, dance, abortion, social divide and theft.
Cast
Kira Malou was sensational as Baby. She is charming and shows a youthful innocence on stage. She beautifully showcased the diverse dancing skills from the cringeworthy and hilarious body movements to a stunning performance full of romance and emotion.
Michael O’Reilly was impressive as Jonny Castle. He had bags of charisma and a natural stage presence. His dance moves were exquisite to watch. He made the role his own with moments reminiscing Patrick Swayze. His acting was effortless and his body language was highly expressive.
They were a great partnership on stage. Their chemistry was infectious to watch especially in the scenes where they show love and dance for each other.
Danny Colligan as Billy Kostecki and Lydia Sterling as Elizabeth gave energetic performances on stage. Their vocals were angelic. This was particularly in the opening scene where they sang This Magic Moment to a fine performance of the duet at the end of this production.
Georgia Aspinall was brilliant as Penny Johnson. She showed breath taking dance moves. We also witness her getting in trouble by her partner Robbie who is played by Callum Fitzgerald.
Colin Charles was lively as Tito. He brought a breath of fresh air in his performance. His provided moments of light relief and his comedic timing was second to none.
The Kellerman Band were amazing. They brought the music to life particularly their Saxophonist who was the star of the band. They added energy and excitement to the show. They beautifully intertwined the songs into the plot of this popular production.
The ensemble were amazing talented bunch of people that added a natural finesse. The dancers truly showcased their fine moves. It is slick, glamourous and perfect in every way.
Sets
The sets were lively, simple, and effective. It truly gives an American summer camp vibe. The 60s era is evident with the cabin doors and the lake which really takes you on holiday with the Houseman family.
The stage was themed around the Kellerman’s Mountain House.
The set changes were done with a cinematic effect. Each scene blended with another seamlessly.
Costumes
The costumes were perfectly suited for the era in which the show is set in which is the 50s and 60s. This included the circle skirts and the under skirt dresses to the cropped shirts and the leather jackets.
Choreography
The dance choreography is the centre of this production. This is evident within the kicks, flicks and the hip movements. It also featured a range of different dance styles including Latin and Samba. However the wow factor is definitely for the famous lift for ‘I’ve Had The Time Of My Life’ which is at the end of the show.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Dirty Dancing is full of love and rhythm. This included popular songs such as ‘Do You Love Me’, ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey Baby’. ‘Love Man’, and ‘I’ve Had The Time Of My Life’.
The final encore at the end was joyous and uplifting. This is where the audience had a ball singing, clapping and swaying along. This meant that you left the auditorium with a massive smile on your face.
Dirty Dancing is certain to give you the time of your life with its great plotline, a talented cast and energetic dance moves. Don’t miss this breath taking production.
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