REVIEW: Dirty Dancing The Classic Story On Stage 2016/2017 Tour - Liverpool Empire Theatre

On Monday 18^th September Dirty Dancing returned to Liverpool Empire Theatre as part of its new 2016/17 tour. It had been just over two years since I had seen and loved the show on the same stage, so I was excited to see how it panned out. The appearance at The Empire and week long run marks the end of the current tour.The stage production based on the original 1987 film which starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is currently touring the UK. It is a romantic drama documenting a teenage girls relationship with a dance instructor.

Produced by Karl Sydow and Joye entertainment and Paul Elliot, in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions, the show written by Eleanor Bergstein is both a masterpiece and iconic. We, the audience were transported back to the summer of 1963 and were observers of the most engaging of romances between Johny Castle (Lewis Griffiths) and his leading lady Frances "Baby" Houseman played by Katie Eccles. The chemistry between the two was magnificent and the choreography simply delightful. Their energy was electric and they pulled off the characters from the film superbly. The scenes were polished and the performances by the cast were engaging and cohesive, with vocals and choreography being executed with precision from the outset and throughout. 

Lewis played an exceptional Johnny. He is a seasoned musical theatre actor.  He was charismatic, powerful, technically competent and a delight to watch in this lead role. The female contingent of the audience were particularly enamoured by his physique and giggled like puerile teenagers at his many bare-chested appearances. There was even a moment of heckling from the audience during one scene.  The cast remained ever the professionals, kept their composure and continued with the scene.  When Johnny strode through the audience and launched himself on stage uttering the iconic words "Nobody puts Baby in the corner", I was sure that the said female members of the audience would spontaneously combust with excitement.

Katie Eccles certainly excelled in her role of "Baby|" and endeared herself to the audience by her naivety and playful nature. She is to be congratulated for her effortless and excellent delivery. Not to mention Carlie Milner who played Penny Johnson. Her skill as a dancer was phenomenal. It was a joy to watch her strong arm lines and perfect form as she performed the choreography. I also absolutely loved Jo Servi who played Tito Suarez, his vocals were superb. The set was stunning in it's design and flamboyance. It set the scene for the excellent flawless vocals and choreographed sequences.

Hurry as you only have until 23rd September to watch this feel good, high energy masterpiece.With 35 songs and passionate scenes displaying high energy and emotion, 
would I recommend it? Absolutely YES. I had the time of my life!

Show runs until 23rd September 2017
Book Tickets here
Duration 2hr 15 mins
Age Guidance 12+ (There are scenes of an adult nature)
PR Rating 5 Stars