28/08/2026
Phonebox review: Dirty Dancing
The rain might have arrived for some, but the long hot summer continues at Milton Keynes Theatre with the arrival of smash hit musical Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage. And it’s not called Dirty Dancing for nothing. The smash hit tour’s own website advises theatre goers that there are sexual references and other adult topics that might not be suitable for under 14s.
Based on 1987’s well-known movie Dirty Dancing, which starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the stage show recreates the story of young love in the summer of 1963, with all the music, dance and fashion that made the movie such a nostalgic hit.
When Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman stumbles across the staff quarters at Kellerman’s holiday resort, she’s drawn into their world of sexy, sensual dancing, and soon finds herself falling for the resort’s heart-throb dance instructor Johnny Castle.
What follows is a coming of age story involving Baby, Johnny and a host of other characters as they reveal relationships with each other, navigate class discrimination, overcome various problems and pave the way for progress. The production offers a great balance of humour, drama and romance as the plot unfolds.
Led by Joel Benjamin (Johnny) and Charlie Varlet (Baby), the whole cast delivers an impressive performance. From the brilliantly executed dance routines to the fantastic musical numbers, including the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.
The show culminates in an unforgettable finale with the famous lines and choreography the audience has been waiting for, featuring the iconic ‘lift’ that draws cheers from the crowd.
A truly crowd-pleasing and memorable show – you’ll be dancing all the way home.
Dirty Dancing is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 29 August 2026
