Dirty Dancing at the Sheffield Lyceum Review
Dirty Dancing
Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
15 April – 3 May 2014
Reviewed by Laura Bown
I arrived at the Sheffield Lyceum with some trepidation as Dirty Dancing is an iconic 80’s film which holds a special place in my heart and I didn’t want a stage production to change that. If anything this stage production just added to it. If you loved the film you will fall in love again with the stage show.
Just in case you don’t know the 1987 film, the story is set at Kellerman’s holiday resort in 1963. Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, is on holiday with her thoroughly middle class family. She meets Johnny Castle a dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks and eventually they fall for each other. It is a classic love story, where everything and everyone is their way. The show stays as true to the film as possible. There are no elements that were missed. It is probably because the original writer of the film Eleanor Bergstein is behind this production.
The choreography is intense and electric. Throughout the show there is pace, infectious energy, and amazing routines. Claire Rogers who plays Penny Johnson is outstanding, and should have a license for her legs!
The music includes all of the songs you would expect, there is also a number of additional songs which have been added to the stage production. There were many moments throughout the show when the audience were singing along.
Both the main cast and ensemble provided us with spot on performances. Johnny Castle was expertly played by understudy Lewis Kirk. Roseanna Frascona as Baby, produces a performance which is so similar to Jennifer Grey in the original film, it would be difficult to tell them apart.
There is more comedy moments in this production than you ever get in the film, Lisa Houseman, played by Jessie-Lou Yates, does a hysterical song during the talent show scene.
The set design is simple but so effective. The orchestra is set on a mezzanine above most of the action. There is a clever use of a revolving turntable on stage and various video and lighting tricks.
By the end of the show I couldn’t decide which I loved more, the film or seeing it live!
If you love the film, you will love this show! Go buy your tickets now! A show not to be missed!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £24 to £75 plus transaction fee of £1.50 (box office) and £1 (online).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.
Sheffield Theatres, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA | Box Office 0114 249 6000
