Archive note: this review records Clarissa’s 2016 visit to Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage. The original cast and production images are preserved below, with a separate 2026 update so the historical record is not overwritten.
Overview
Dirty Dancing takes audiences back to the summer of 1963, when Frances “Baby” Houseman arrives at a Catskills resort with her family and discovers a very different world in the staff quarters. Her meeting with dance instructor Johnny Castle changes the course of her summer — with all the music, romance and choreography fans of the film expect.
Cast
The 2016 production I saw featured Lewis Griffiths as Johnny Castle. The production photography also records Katie Hartland as Baby and Carlie Milner as Penny.
These names belong to the 2016 production and are being retained here rather than replaced by later touring casts.
My Review
I had the opportunity to see the show for the blog and took my mum along as part of her birthday treat. As someone who knows the film well, I was curious about how the stage production would recreate such familiar characters and scenes.
The casting worked for me. Lewis Griffiths brought plenty of presence to Johnny, and the company captured the feel of the original story without simply trying to impersonate the film cast.
I was especially impressed by how the production handled the water scene, which had been one of those “how on earth are they going to do that on stage?” moments before the show. The moving scenery, choreography and staging all came together well.
Original rating: 4/5.
Read the related 2016 Rocky Horror Show archive review →
Production Images
Latest Update
4 October 2026: Dirty Dancing is returning to the West End at the Prince Edward Theatre for a limited season from 19 January to 24 April 2027. This is separate from the 2016 production reviewed on this page.
The current West End production should be covered separately so this archive remains the record of the show I saw in 2016.
Tickets
For current performances, use the official production or venue booking pages rather than this historical review.
Current West End booking is for the Prince Edward Theatre production running 19 January–24 April 2027. I’ll link the new Clarissa’s Corner guide here once it is ready.
I am now going to be singing “I’ve had the time of my life” all day!! I think this would make such a great girls night out. I am pleased it has translated so well onto stage, it is such an iconic film I always worry they could ruin it. Looks like you had a fabulous time! 🙂
This was my worry but believe me it’s well worth watching !
I wish I had been to see this when it was on last – I know my wife would have loved it too! Where did you see it? Which theatre? 🙂
It was fantastic, I’m sure if you Google your area it may show some available? We went to the Orchard theater in Dartford.
This looks great, looks like you had fun too. I’ve seen the movie but haven’t seen it on stage x
It was great, made me really want to see more in the theater 🙂
Ah now I have the song in my head – I bet it was amazing seeing it on stage right in front of you wow!
ah but it’s a good song, and yes it is a must see
I love the film dirty dancing! I would love to see it in the theatre! xo
I absolutely love Dirty Dancing! I would love to see it on stage! 😍
I have to say DO IT !!
I would love to see dirty dancing as I can imagine the dancing is amazing x
I know Rachel would probaly love to see this on stage, she loves the film!
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