Dirty Dancing has returned to Manchester's Palace Theatre with a new touring production that delivers a five-star night of sizzling chemistry and dance moves. The musical version of the hit 1980s movie offers a couple of hours of escapist joy, with an ensemble cast breathing new life into the story of Baby Houseman on her family summer vacation to Kellermans in 1960s America.
A Johnny to remember
Joel Benjamin, fresh from starring in Disney's Hercules the Musical in the West End, takes on the role of Johnny Castle, filling the shoes of the late Patrick Swayze. Benjamin nails it and then some, drawing gasps, whoops and appreciative cheers from the audience whenever he removes his shirt or flexes a bicep. The reaction to this Johnny is described as wild, with one woman shouting "Lucky you" during a key scene, to laughter all around.
Charlie Varlet, making her theatre tour debut, is a brilliant Frances 'Baby' Houseman, taking the audience on her journey from jerking hips to a skilled and silky dancer. Ellie Fergusson, winner of the first series of The Greatest Dancer on TV, dazzles as Kellermans' star dancer Penny Johnson, emulating the moves of Cynthia Rhodes from the movie with aplomb.
Faithful to the film
Film fans will enjoy the faithful interpretation of Dr Jake Houseman by Lynden Edwards. The ensemble cast also delivers surprise scene-stealing highlights, including Asher Forth as Billy belting out a moving rendition of "In the Still of the Night." All the film's huge hit songs are played out during the action, with highlights including "Do You Love Me" and "Love Man" performed by Robert Grose in the dance shack scenes.
The show rattles along at a right old pace with slick direction from Federico Bellone and magical choreography by Austin Wilks. It comes to its triumphant conclusion with the big end of season show in the Kellermans' ballroom, where Johnny delivers the iconic line "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" and the crowd erupts with delight. The finale dance to "I've Had the Time of My Life" fills your eyeballs with sheer joy, ensuring the audience leaps to its feet for a deserved standing ovation.
Dirty Dancing is at the Palace Theatre until October 3.
