Review: DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE, Theatre Royal Brighton (UK tour)

Anyone who has watched Dirty Dancing can acknowledge that it is a classic. From the bold characters to the delightful soundtrack for which it is known, it is loved by many. And not to mention the exciting and raunchy aspects that bring so much life to the story and the characters.

There is a common misconception when it comes to putting classic cinema on stage as to whether or not it is going to be a good production. A common phrase that often gets thrown around is ‘yeah, but it won’t be as good as the original’. Though there are instances when this is the case, this production of Dirty Dancing is not one of them.

This coming-of-age story is most definitely one that can have a life on stage, as well as the screen.

This production features all of the charm and charisma that the original film brought us all those years ago. With use of the original soundtrack, and a few perfectly timed covers, it is easy to fall in love with the show and the integrity it keeps to the original. The fan favourite ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life’ is sung by the incredibly talented Amber Sylvia Edwards and Samuel Bailey. At first, there is scepticism as to whether this would work, given the previous use of the original soundtrack, but that scepticism is soon washed away when the famous sequence begins, and the audience cheer.

The set design (by Roberto Comotti) is simple yet effective and very well adapted for the stage - the audience is reminded of the original setting of the film and is tremendously refreshing to see. As well as this, the costumes by Jennifer Irwin and Amelia Lockey are extremely fun to look at and the way they move with the dancers is stunning and added a more aesthetic value to the choreography by Austin Wilks.

The cast of this show are absolutely fantastic, and their energy and enthusiasm cannot be faulted. Our leading characters of Johnny and Baby (played by the magnificent Michael O’Reilly and Kira Malou respectively) express all of the lovable and well-known characteristics of these characters, but also add their own interpretation of them, keeping them fresh and alive. O’Reilly possesses all of the charisma and confidence you would expect to see in Johnny but mixed in with several tender and emotional moments that give the character depth and humanity. Malou gives a beautiful representation of Baby, keeping her performance sweet and innocent until the relationship with Johnny begins to change her and allow her to grow up. Their romance is everything you would want it to be – it feels natural and real but was also sexy and, at times, feisty. The ups and downs of this relationship adds a sense of authenticity to the story and allows audiences to experience it. 

My advice to you, Besties? Go and see this show while you still can! Take your friend, girlfriends, and boyfriends. Mums and Nans. Brothers, sisters, and cousins. Or go by yourself and witness the pleasure that is Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage. If I could experience this show for the first time again, I would but the outcome would be the same. Pure joy and warmth.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Megan Webb

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage is currently touring until December 2021, with tickets for select venues on sale here.