Dirty Dancing

As a film it was huge and this stage production is equally massive with an impressive set, blisteringly hot company and some of the best choreography I have ever seen. From start to finish this cast give it their very all, its both graceful, athletic and of course erotic, there’s a raw physical sensuality required to carry this story and they deliver it in spades. Kira Malou as Baby delivers her journey from child to woman with skill and charm, and when she finally gets to dirty dance she is exquisite. Michael O’Reilly of course dances from the very start, and how he can dance, this young newcomer’s performance is not just dirty, it’s borderline filthy – and the audience lap it up. The role demands an internal anger, which he can do, but what a joy it is to see in the final scene that broad smile and genuine warmth, perhaps something that he could better reveal in his earlier scenes. Certainly though the reveal of his bare bottom got the audience excited and that alone deserved a five star review!

Alex Wheeler deserves a special mention as he  stands out as Billy, beautifully portraying the shy underdog and displaying a very fine voice into the bargain.

Dirty Dancing has plenty to enjoy, comedy, romance and a decent message too, and this production has it all. If I were to have one quibble it would be with a crazy bit of balcony rail which is wheeled on and off the set with alarming frequency and to no real effect!

Theatre Royal Brighton

24 September

Andrew Kay

[rating: 4.5]