Dirty Dancing continues at the Phoenix Theatre, London until 31 December.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Dirty Dancing has become one of the most loved dance musical romance films of all time; even those who have never seen the 1987 film know to not put Baby in a corner.
The classic has now returned to London’s West End, running at the Phoenix Theatre this Christmas for 30 performances.
Set in 1963 post-war America, the musical introduces us to Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Katie Hartland) who is about to learn a few life lessons, as well as a one or two dance steps, all while falling for dance teacher Johnny (Lewis Griffiths) and helping his partner, Penny (Carlie Milner), when she faces an impossible decision.
The show boasts a wonderfully talented cast; the ensemble of this show is possibly the most on the money I have ever seen. Harland bears an incredible resemblance to Jennifer Grey in the original film and creates such a loveable character very well. It takes a clever performer, who can dance very well, to act completely deaf to rhythm.
Beside her, Griffiths makes a brilliant bad-boy Johnny. His calm, cool and collected performance results in multiple blushes from the audience.
The chemistry between the two protagonists feels real and desirable.
Gillian Bruce’s well-polished choreography is greatly executed by all; the production doesn’t include one weak performer.
However, the weakest aspect of the production is the set. The changes are certainly ambitious and the transitions are more often than not uncomfortably slow. They certainly would have been suited to a bigger theatre.
Despite this, when the sets work they are spectacular and so creative. A great shame this is not consistent throughout.
Nevertheless, this issue does not stop the audience members from dancing in their seats and toe-tapping along to that playlist-worthy soundtrack (musical direction from Richard John).
Needless to say, the icing on top is that famous lift, which is executed beautifully.
Polly Sisley
Tickets for Dirty Dancing are available HERE.
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