Dirty Dancing at King’s Theatre, Glasgow Review
Dirty Dancing
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
29 August to 20 September 2014
Reviewed by Emily Crombie
That was the summer of 1963…
The King’s Theatre in Glasgow was last night transported back in time to the summer of 1963 to experience Dirty Dancing at its best.
Based on the iconic 1980’s film written by Eleanor Bergstein, the musical closely follows the same storyline where Francis ‘Baby’ Houseman and her family enjoying the offerings of Kellerman’s, a luxury holiday resort. Baby has her life planned out but her time at Kellerman’s opens her eyes to how the world really works. Although very light-hearted it also touches on more serious issues affecting the USA at the time.
From the moment the show opened we were treated to an extravaganza of song and dance. You couldn’t help but be drawn into the story and swept along with the enthusiasm of both the cast and the audience and join in singing along to many of the song that will be forever associated with Dirty Dancing – Be My Baby, I’ve Had the Time of My Life, Do You Love Me?
Roseanna Frascona and Gareth Bailey in the lead roles made a convincing Baby and Johnny Castle with great chemistry between them, almost too must for some in the exuberant Glasgow theatre-goers!
Wayne Smith serenaded the audience with an amazing vocal performance of In the Still of the Night – definitely a highlight for me, though there were plenty to choose from.
The show was slickly produced using the revolving stage and on-stage orchestra. The graphics and lighting were used to great effect to replicate many of the iconic Dirty Dancing scenes such as the log and the lift practise in the river (as I am sure most of you will have seen the film, you will know what I am talking about!!). I have to admit I did wonder beforehand if they would do these scenes on stage, but they did and it would not have been Dirty Dancing without them.
The King’s Theatre was very welcoming and had a great atmosphere. It is located in the city centre, within walking distance of the bus and train stations and taxis are readily available to and from the theatre.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £79.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
Dirty Dancing is at the King’s Theatre Glasgow until 20 September 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7648.
King’s Theatre. 297 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN | 0844 871 7648
