Dirty Dancing, Blackpool Opera House Review

Reviewed by Cath Joyce

People in Blackpool were treated to a special performance this week when the cast of Dirty Dancing took their show outdoors. Delighted shoppers and holidaymakers in St John’s Square saw actors Kira Malou and Michael O’Reilly, playing the leading roles of Frances “Baby” Houseman and Johnny Castle, performing the iconic Dirty Dancing dance routine from the end of the film. After Covid delayed the start of the show this was a fantastic way to create a real buzz about the stage version of Dirty Dancing and it certainly got people talking. I was already looking forward to seeing the show but seeing the outside performance really took the excitement to a new level for me.

Based on one of the most popular films of the 1980’s Dirty Dancing is a coming-of-age romance and became an instant hit, propelling Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey to stardom. The film featured hit songs such as “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”, “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey! Baby”and “Do You Love Me?” The stage performance follows the original storyline closely so any Dirty Dancing fans out there will not be disappointed. The stage show includes all the hit songs from the film, and you can’t help but tap your feet and wish that you were up on the stage dancing with Johnny!

Looking very similar to Jennifer Gray, Kira was perfectly cast as Baby and all the ladies in the audience certainly appreciated the casting of Michael as Johnny, with plenty of wolf whistles and cheering whenever he took his shirt off! Playing Johnny’s dance partner Penny, Carlie Milner was a particularly skilled dancer and a pleasure to watch. The dancing, choreographed by Austin Wilks, was exactly what I expected and was fantastic to watch. During the group dancing sections the energy seems to rise and the cast really did put on an outstanding performance last night.

This production uses a simple set, a backdrop of a lake sets the scene of Kellerman’s and is also used very effectively for a humorous version of the famous scene from the film where Johnny and Baby practice their lift. Simple changes mark the locations around the holiday park from the central ballroom to the Houseman’s chalet or Johnny’s room.

This is such a vibrant, happy and lively show and before we knew it Johnny was saying the famous line “Nobody puts Baby in the corner!” and we were at the finale of the show – a great dance number with the whole cast on stage dancing to (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

This audience at Blackpool really enjoyed the show, the finale had the audience on their feet and in the words of the song – we definitely had “the time of our lives”.

Dirty Dancing is running until the 28th August at Blackpool Opera House and with Blackpool currently full of holidaymakers I would certainly get your tickets quickly as I predict it will be an extremely popular show.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tickets cost from £20

Dirty Dancing is at Blackpool Opera House from 14th August to 28th October, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk/.