Dirty Dancing at the Winter Gardens Blackpool Review
Dirty Dancing
Winter Gardens, Blackpool
11-30 August 2016
www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Reviewed by Julie Leousis
What a night! The iconic film loved by all has turned into the most amazing stage show I have ever seen!
Last night we were lucky enough to have tickets to see Dirty Dancing at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The theatre situated in the centre of Blackpool was a beautiful setting for the opening night. Parking behind the shopping centre it was a 2 minute walk over to Winter Gardens.
The buzz of anticipation was apparent upon entering with people from all generations looking forward to seeing the show. One little boy said to his mum ‘I hope it’s all you want it to be’, I am 100% sure that she was not disappointed.
Whilst waiting to go in there was an upbeat live band playing to entertain the excited crowd. But nothing could have prepared us for the magic of the show before us.
As the lights went down cheers and clapping from the crowd began. The scene was set at the holiday camp with amazing scenery – it took you right into the show. The costumes were to die for. Beautiful dresses really took the audience back to the 1960’s. Baby (Katie Hartland) opens the show with her innocence and daddy’s girl role the iconic character needed no introduction with her petit frame and short curls.
The roof of the theatre was raised when the charismatic handsome Lewis Griffiths strode on to the stage as Johnny. Casting for this role was perfect. He oozed passion and had all the women in the audience in the palm of his hand. The chemistry between Baby and Johnny was evident to see the audience could see that they were in love and the growth of Baby into a woman was as though you took the journey with her.
All the dancers were faultless with Carlie Milner playing Penny beautifully moving on the stage with amazing grace and precision.
The scenery included the famous log scene seeing Baby learn to dance with Johnny falling in the water. Fantastic points of the film were captured in the stage show with ease wowing the audience with the articulate attention to detail.
Not only was the dancing phenomenal, but so was the music. Singers Michael Kent and Daniela Podega were impeccable holding the show together with links to the storylines and of cause the iconic songs we all know and love. The musicians showed that they were not to be outdone with saxophone solos and big band style live music during the show. It was all brought together in a magnificent show.
Of course we cannot forget the final act. The most famous part of the show. Johnny come from nowhere through the audience and onto the stage to deliver that all important line ‘No one keeps Baby in the corner’. The crowd went wild, cheering and clapping. Just magical. The final dance, the famous lift. We were there, in the middle of Dirty Dancing, not sat in the audience of a stage show. The feelings in the room were ones of glorious euphoria. The crowd on their feet for a standing ovation for the most amazing stage show I have ever seen.
Should you go and watch Dirty Dancing – Yes you should. If you only get to see one show this year make sure this is the one. What a fabulous night, a great look back to your youth and the feeling of being there again.
100% Dirty Dancing is the must see stage show for 2016. We really did have ‘The time of our lives’.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £20 to £49.50 (booking fees may apply).
Dirty Dancing is at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool until 30 August 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 856 1111.
Winter Gardens & Opera House Theatre, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL
