EntertainmentTheatre

Dirty Dancing at the Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review

Reviewed by Gemma Ingham

I went to see the legend that is Dirty Dancing on stage at Sheffield Lyceum on Monday night (5 June 2017). Everyone knows the film, the music and the dancing so I was very excited to see how the stage version lived up to the original.

The Lyceum is located in the centre of Sheffield, easily accessible by public transport and all main road networks. There are numerous car parks nearby and the staff were very helpful in telling me which one to park in in future. The theatre is always busy but the staff are welcoming and attentive. It was reassuring given recent events that there was security on the doors checking bags – I’ve never encountered door security at the Lyceum before.

The show stars Katie Eccles as Frances aka Baby, and Lewis Griffiths as Johnny Castle. Baby is on holiday with her family at a resort in the summer of 1963 and finds herself embroiled in a romance with Johnny Castle, a resort dance instructor, whilst also training to be his dance partner.

I was pleased to see how well the two resembled the original actors in the film, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Lewis Griffiths definitely radiated the same ‘phwoar’ factor that Swayze did and incidentally he also has a very nice bum. You’ll have to go and see the show to see that for yourself though!

Katie Eccles is very good at being a pretend bad dancer and pulled a lot of laughs from the audience.

The production features the original 1960’s hits that everyone will no doubt recognize, blended with live performances from the cast. Much of the script and dancing was as per the movie and I must admit that at the beginning I did find the show quite stilted but it soon warmed up and flowed along.

The costumes were amazing and I loved drooling over the dresses. The props and scenery were also interesting and utilized very well creating a ‘holiday camp’ kind of atmosphere. The lighting did a good job and I did actually feel like I was getting some much needed sun!

There was plenty of singing and wiggling along from the audience and a great atmosphere all round.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £29.50 to £50 (booking fees may apply).

Dirty Dancing is at the Lyceum Theatre in Sheffield from 5-10 June 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.

Lyceum Theatre, Norfolk St, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 1DA ‎| 0114 249 6000

 

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