Dirty Dancing at the Piccadilly Theatre

Returning after a two-year record-breaking nationwide tour of the UK & Ireland, the stage show of Dirty Dancing is the latest heatwave to hit London.  This energetic and exhilarating production is back for a limited season at Piccadilly Theatre and is a must-see for the summer.

Fans of the original 1987 film will know the story of Baby (Jill Winternitz) who becomes entangled with a set of young dancers at the summer camp where she is staying with her family. She falls for the lead dancer Johnny Castle (Paul Michael Jones) which is followed by various predicaments and a lot of dancing. 

This storyline has been sensationally put to stage by director Sarah Tipple alongside the creative team. The sets are atmospheric, the scene changes seamless and the choreography courageous: some of the dance moves are quite unbelievable and wholly pulled off. There’s great acting from American actress Jill Winternitz as Baby, whilst Paul Michael Jones oozes sex appeal and thrusts out his moves as Johnny. His sidekick Penny (Charlotte Gooch) steals the show though with her magnificent long legs and impressive flexibility. It was truly beautiful to behold her dancing. All the performers were very impressive with the dance scenes driving feeling and colour into the storyline.

As with any musical it could be cringe-worthy in parts and there are a few filler scenes in the second half that aren’t from the original story and don’t seem particularly necessary. However the live band, playing the classic soundtrack (Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? etc…) are visibly positioned above the set, and complemented by live singing. This staging had style and soul that would appeal to any musical sceptic.  

Both emotional and amusing, this show certainly gets you moving. Fans of the film won’t be disappointed, with classic lines including: “I carried a watermelon?!” and “Nobody puts baby in a corner!” creating an electric atmosphere in the audience. I’m afraid it has to be said… “I had the time of my life”.

Emily May

Dirty Dancing is at Piccadilly Theatre until 22^nd February 2014. For further information or to book visit the show’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Dirty Dancing here: