Musical theatre fans will have the time of their life this summer when Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returns to the West End, taking up residence at the Piccadilly theatre following the early closure of Viva Forever!
The hit production, which has been enjoying a successful tour of the UK and Ireland since its launch in 2011, will open on 13 July at the venue, which since November last year has played home to the Jennifer Saunders-penned Spice Girls musical.
Dirty Dancing, which opened at the Aldwych theatre in 2006 and played to more than two million people during its successful five year run, has endured similar success elsewhere in the world with productions opening in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, South African and the Netherlands.
Based on the well-known film starring Patrick Swayze, Dirty Dancing tells the story of 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman whose life changes forever when she meets dance instructor Jonny Castle and is thrown into the deep end as his leading lady both on and off stage with breathtaking consequences.
Featuring all the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the hugely popular film as well as additional scenes, the musical boasts tantalising dance sequences and brand new choreography set to an iconic soundtrack including hit tunes Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.
Talking about the musical’s West End return, producer Karl Sydow said: “We’re delighted to bring the much-loved and iconic Dirty Dancing back to London in an all new exciting production that has thrilled audiences around the country. We look forward to welcoming the many fans of Dirty Dancing to the Piccadilly theatre this summer.”
Dirty Dancing will open at the West End venue following Viva Forever!’s tale of love, loyalty and friendship, which ends its run on 29 June.