What's the story?
You must have been living in a cave if you don't know the story of 'Dirty Dancing', one of the most iconic films of all time, loved by ladies everywhere. But just in case, The Houseman family take their holiday at Kellerman's Holiday Camp, an all-singing all-dancing, charades-in-the-gazebo kind of place. The youngest daughter, Frances, or 'Baby' to everyone around her meets Johnny, the kind of dance teacher that makes you want to high-kick for joy he's so darn sexy. There begins the classic love story through which we discover if love really does conquer all.
The show features all the hits from the film's soundtrack such as 'Do You Love Me?', 'She's Like The Wind' and '(I've Had) The Time of my Life', some sung live and fantastically by a girl and guy with great sets of vocal cords. While other tracks were played using original recordings while the energetic and saucy dancing left us captivated. The story has been slightly re-written for the stage but includes all of the films memorable moments and some added scenes as well, some of which worked better than others.
Who's in it?
Leading man Josef Brown is a God. Patrick Swayze's shoes are a tough act to fill and we waited with trepidation before the show began to see whether the leading man would have the charisma and sex appeal to carry the show. And no doubt about it, this man is more than a match for Swayze in the sexy stakes. Plus, he dances like an angel, well, a very saucy one with slinky hips that is.
Who should I take?
Every girl you know. The night we went there were a few brave boyfriends that had been dragged along and definitely some excitable gay males that were loving Josef Brown probably more than we were but the majority of the audience were women of all ages, all looking rather flushed by the end of the evening.
Best bit?
Ooh, see most people would probably say the part where Johnny sweeps in and tells guests and staff that 'Nobody puts baby in a corner' before whisking her off for some more dirty dancing but the scene that had the women in the audience on the edge of the seats was the first time Baby stays the night with Johnny. I don't think I've ever felt such anticipation and sexual tension emanating from an entire audience. The women literally could not contain their excitement at seeing 'Johnny' whip his top off to reveal the hunkiest of backs since Swayze in 1987; I thought they were going to need crowd control to keep the hormonal and very hot-for-it women back. Ladies, you will not be disappointed.
Will I get bored?
No. The saucy dance moves, fab sound track and hot man with his top off is bound to keep you mesmerised for the entire show.
Is it worth my hard-earned cash?
Without a doubt and you'll come out wanting to learn to tango, salsa and foxtrot, don't be surprised if you see women heading for the tube practising the Cha-cha-cha after a night at the Aldwych.
Where can I see it?
Catch Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych theatre.
Box Office: 0870 400 0845
Booking until October 2008 £25-£59.50
