Dirty Dancing at Dominion Theatre

Press night for Dirty Dancing is wrapped up in extravagance and glamour only fit for a love story like Baby and Johnny’s. Pink carpets and gilded walkways, champagne and influencers of every calibre in sparkling attire and high fashion decorate the halls and seats of the Dominion Theatre. But all these bright stars can’t outshine the wondrous experience that is this West End production of the classic love story, adapted from the 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.

The chemistry between the two leads is electrifying, every move hot, sweaty and intimate. Lingering stares, longing gazes and heavy breathing – it’s not hard to believe that Michael O’Reilly (Johnny Castle) and Kira Malou (Frances “Baby” Houseman) are deeply in love, just as the actors are in real life. From the moment Johnny sees Baby, despite the choreography’s best efforts to distract the viewers, it’s clear that he has already fallen for her on that very first night. But while these two are indeed the draw, the rest of the production keeps up with an incredibly comedic script and clever use of props.

Lighting commands the tone of every scene – from the thunderous strobe lights to the ever-changing backdrops, the sultry pink hues, the seductive purple smoke and the passionate red glow flooding the stage. The excellent subtleties embedded into the performance are hidden away by the shadows of the misdirecting spotlight. There’s no pit orchestra, but every song has a reason to exist within the context of the production with a live band playing onstage and a radio blaring out tunes of the 60s.

The audience are an integral part of the show, dictating the atmosphere with every “ohhh” and “ahhh” as Johnny thrusts his hips or takes off an article of clothing. The magical last dance is especially breathtaking, viewers joining in with the beat and singing at the top of their lungs the lyrics to I’ve Had the Time of My Life. Cheers explode for the final lift and the sight is absolutely worth the wait. The failed dance classes, Baby’s struggles with her family and Johnny’s efforts to prove himself as something more all end with one last tender promise, as Johnny whispers: “We’ll fight hard Frances, that’s what we’ll do”.

Mae Trumata
Photo: Mark Senior

Dirty Dancing is at Dominion Theatre from 21^st January until 29^th April 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.