Dirty Dancing – Hull New Theatre

The first couple of minutes of Dirty Dancing, at the Hull New Theatre on Tuesday night, was in the dark – had the spotlights failed?

It soon became apparent the darkness was on purpose and it made the sudden burst of colour that followed even more memorable and exciting.

And the excitement lasted until the very last – make that lasting – standing ovation for a production that is nothing short of perfect.

We in the packed theatre were transported back to 1963 America and Kellerman’s Holiday Resort.

Regular visitors to the resort are Dr Jake Houseman (Jack Loy), his wife Marjorie (Taryn Sudding) and daughters, Lisa (Daisy Steere) and Frances “Baby” (Kira Malou).

At 16 or 17 years of age, Baby really is the baby of the family – but, boy, she certainly grows up thanks to Kellerman’s “bad boy” dancer, the tall, handsome Johnny Castle (Michael O’Reilly – be still my beating heart), who, in his twenties, is more experienced in every way.

Johnny regularly performs on stage with Penny Johnson (Georgia Aspinall – an exquisite dancer). Tall and blonde, she is looked upon enviously and admiringly by the shorter, mousy-haired Baby.

However, when Penny finds herself pregnant, it is Baby who bravely comes to the rescue in more ways than one.

While Penny recovers from her predicament, the teen stands in for her on stage, taking secret dance lessons (and more), from Johnny.

These lessons culminate in the Dirty Dancing of the show’s name in wonderful, some might say erotic, scenes between Johnny and Baby that held the audience spellbound.

The chemistry between the two leads is mesmeric. However, I felt it my reviewing duty to drag my eyes away from Johnny, especially, once in a while to appreciate the marvellous stage setting, lighting, dancers and costumes that were all quality through and through.

That quality carried over to the musicians who made regular appearances on stage, doing justice to well-known hits such as Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? and the unforgettable (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life – just a few of the 30-odd tunes enjoyed on the night.

It’s impossible to fault this amazing production whose cast of performers – too many to mention by name – are all obviously of the highest theatrical standard.

I must mention Colin Charles as band leader Tito Suarez, who danced, sang and “titillated”, delighting and amusing in equal measures, while Lydia Sterling as singer Elizabeth raised the roof with her wonderful soul singing.

While for most, Kellerman’s was a very happy summer break, America in 1963 was beset by Civil Rights movements and Dr Martin Luther King’s “dream” – both topics Baby Houseman verbalises her support for and concerns about; unaware at that time that President John Kennedy’s assassination later in the year would cause even more grief.

But the spotlight is always on Johnny and Baby’s interaction. Despite, or maybe because of, their height difference, O’Reilly and Malou are perfectly matched and it’s difficult not to compare them – extremely favourably – to Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, stars of the 1987 Dirty Dancing movie.

Top marks to all concerned with bringing this unforgettable production to the stage. The undeniable professionalism and star quality of all taking part was a joy to behold.

And towards the end, when Johnny, in black leather, strode down the aisle, leapt onto the stage, and declared “Nobody puts Baby in a corner”, dancing seductively with her before raising her high above his head in the famous lift we’d all been waiting for, well, that move alone brought the house down.

Terrific stuff!

Running until Saturday, November 18th, 2023. Monday-Thursday, 7.30pm nightly; Friday, 5pm & 8.30pm; Saturday, 3pm and 7.30pm. Tickets cost from £20. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Reviewer: Jackie Foottit

Reviewed: 7th November 2023

North West End UK Rating: