To celebrate International Womens Day I was invited to see Dirty Dancing the musical . I spent the most amazing few hours watching it at the Aldwych theatre, London. Everything about it was fantastic; the set, it was a case of what couldn’t it do, the costumes, the dances. The cast looked to be totally enjoying themselves. There was laughter, comedy and also tears.
For those that are too young to know, Dirty Dancing is set in an American holiday camp in the 1960’s. At night the entertainment staff enjoy themselves in their illicit club where they dirty dance the night away. Baby, one of the guests discovers this and then falls for Johnny the head dancer. Circumstances mean that she has to learn to dance thus bringing her closer to Johnny.
I really was blown away. A special treat that I wasn’t expecting was Ray Quinn Of X factor/Dancing on ice fame. His vocals made chills go down my spine.
The lead roles Baby and Johnny were played by Dominique Provost-Chalkly and Johnny Wright, out of respect I will not mention his six pack like no other I have ever seen. 😉 At first I thought Baby and Johnny were never going to draw me in or bring me to tears like the film did but they did. It was nearly as moving as the original film.
The dancing was fabulous I only wish there were more group dance scenes, there is a really great one near the end. What a great way to spend International Womens day. Dirty Dancing was written by Eleanor Bergstein who has been praised for highlighting issues around feminism, class and sex.
Huge huge praise to the cast, it was hard to believe that they could perform with so much enthusiasm every single night, but they must do. They appeared to be having so much fun. The audience were certainly impressed, the cheering, clapping and laughing throughout proved that. It seems a shame that the west end run of Dirty Dancing is coming to a close 9th July 2011 but then it does begins a two year tour so if you can get to see it I highly recommend it.
Disclosure: I was given the ticket for free.
Sound amazing – haven’t been to the theatre (or anywhere else for that matter!) for months – note to self: must get out more. Winter hibernation has to end soon. Great blog.
It is so easy to get into the habit of not doing anything isn’t it. And thanks. 🙂
I really must go and see Dirty Dancing at the theatre I love that film one of my all time favs it really is I am going to make an effort to get some tickets xx
It is worth it. X
Me being a musical theatre fan, this is just the kind of freebie I’d love! You lucky thing!
Look at that girl’s leg – how vertical is that!?
I know I was very lucky and yes those legs made me very jealous. They did things I didn’t think possible. 😀
When Dirty Dancing came out (how many years ago?!?!) I absolutely loved it. Patrick Swayze was an amazing actor and dancer!
He was wasn’t he. I loved the film too. 😀
I loved that movie!!
Quick fun fact, they filmed that movie not too far from where I live and it has become a tourist destination.
I am so jealous, I love Dirty Dancing! I really must go and see it at the theatre!
It was really good, when it goes on tour perhaps it will be on near you?