The Winter Gardens Blackpool – until 19 September2026
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
‘The lift may be famous, but the entire show soars’
There are few films as deeply embedded in popular culture as Dirty Dancing, making any stage adaptation a considerable undertaking. With its iconic characters, unforgettable soundtrack and legendary choreography, audiences arrive with clear expectations. Fortunately, this touring production understands precisely what makes the story so enduring and delivers it with confidence, energy and affection.
Set in the summer of 1963, the production follows 17-year-old Frances “Baby” Houseman (Charlie Varlet) during a family holiday at Kellerman’s Resort. What begins as a conventional summer getaway soon becomes a transformative experience when Baby discovers the hidden social world of the resort staff and meets dance instructor Johnny Castle (Joel Benjamin). Drawn into his world, she steps in as his dance partner, setting in motion a story of romance, personal growth and self-discovery.
Rather than attempting to reinterpret the source material, this production leans into the nostalgia that has made Dirty Dancing a beloved classic for more than three decades. The result is an evening that feels both celebratory and reassuringly familiar, allowing the audience to relive the story’s most cherished moments while enjoying the spectacle of live performance.
The company’s greatest strength lies in its dancing. The choreography is executed with remarkable precision, vitality and control, capturing the sensuality and excitement that define the production. From ensemble sequences to the show’s signature dance numbers, the cast demonstrates an impressive level of technical skill, performing demanding routines with apparent ease.
Among the standout performers is Ellie Cutler as Penny, whose stage presence is impossible to ignore. Her dancing combines athleticism with elegance, delivering a performance of assured confidence and exceptional artistry. Cutler brings both character and technical excellence to the role, and her appearances consistently rank among the evening’s highlights.
Joel Benjamin and Charlie Varlet provide engaging central performances, successfully conveying the chemistry that sits at the heart of the narrative. Together they anchor the production effectively, allowing the emotional journey of Baby and Johnny to resonate alongside the show’s more spectacular musical and dance moments.
Musically, the production is equally strong. The familiar score remains one of Dirty Dancing‘s greatest assets, and hearing these beloved songs performed live adds considerable impact. A particular highlight is the on-stage band, whose presence enhances the immediacy and energy of the performance. Far more than accompanying musicians, they become an integral part of the production’s atmosphere, bringing warmth, authenticity and momentum to the storytelling.
While Dirty Dancing may not seek to reinvent itself for a contemporary audience, it understands exactly what its audience has come to experience. This touring production delivers the romance, nostalgia and exhilarating choreography that have made the title such a lasting favourite. For fans of the film, it is an entertaining and crowd-pleasing evening that remains faithful to the spirit of the original while showcasing the talents of a highly accomplished cast and creative team.