Dirty Dancing the Musical Reviews
Summary
"Based on the 1987 film of the same name, Dirty Dancing the musical is
the classic story of story of 17 year old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman who
goes on holiday to New York’s Catskill Mountains during the summer of
1963. Whilst there with her family, Baby happens upon an all-night dance
party at her holiday resort. She observes the raunchy moves as well as
noticing Johnny Castle, the resort dance instructor. Dirty Dancing sees
Baby embark on a journey that teaches her a lot more than a few dance
moves…"
Media Gallery for Dirty Dancing the Musical
Latest Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Absolutely Awful!”
Written on: 05/04/2013
DO NOT GO! This is NOT a Musical! Poor actors walking about a revolving stage quoting lines from the film while records play in the background IS NOT A MUSICAL! Have been going to see Musicals with my wife for over 30 years an nothing has even come close to how rank this was. Scared to go back now! Is 'Ghost' done the same way? In Edinburgh, some seats cost £75!!! Daylight robbery. Even the drunk hen parties couldn't get excited - says it all. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Waste of time and money.”
Written on: 01/03/2013
Went to see this musical at Edinburgh Playhouse. Was very disappointed, been to see countless musicals and enjoyed them all but this was just awful. Very amateurish. Over priced, over rated. The company I was with had the same opinion. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Will not recommend this musical.........”
Written on: 21/02/2013
Very disappointing. Johny looked like he is particapating in a dance compertition and so obviously gay that it took the romance right out of the play. There were other much more musculine dancers that can play the role of Johny much more convincing. The "blackman" that 'can vote at last"- poor and bad, bad taste!!!!!!!!! It never was in the original story. I mean!!!!! Almost twenty years down the line and it's still an issue????? The one star I awarded for this play is for Baby. She was... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Poor acting and terrible production”
Written on: 19/02/2013
The worse musical production I have ever seen. The acting was terrible, the accents were bad and the production was very poor. Overall money badly spent. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Waste of money”
Written on: 10/01/2013
So disappointed, very poor performance worst musical I have ever been to. Very unprofessional performance anyone not been and thinking about going I wouldn't waste your money. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“terrible”
Written on: 10/01/2013 by kirst111
do not waste your money! it is terrible, the acting is terrible, it does not do the movie any justice. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“What a waste of money.”
Written on: 05/01/2013 by Isobelbogan
This was more like a dance school production. In fact ,that's probably very unfair to some dance schools. Traveled from Perth to Edinburgh to see this rubbish. £120.00 for tickets and rail fares. What a complete waste of money.Left at the interval ,as we couldn't stand it any longer.As previously stated by others ,playing totally on the "dirty dancing " memory.Don't waste your money on this. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Such great potential as was brilliant film and seems...”
Written on: 27/12/2012
Such great potential as was brilliant film and seems to me that is why people are buying tickets. However this was poorly produced and worst musical I have been to. Expensive ticket prices to see such amateur acting and very disappointing that so few songs were included. Too much talking doom and gloom. Audience should have been enjoying a very edited storyline with lots uplifting singing and dancing. However poor music direction and audience did not feel involved from beginning to... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Dirty Ancing Birmingham Hippodrome 08/08/12”
Written on: 10/08/2012 by wheldon
Awful!! The acting was wooden,the accents were Horrendus set and costumes left a lot to be desired,a very expensive night out what waste,we struggled on until near the end butleft just before the very end. I have seen a lot of shows and this has to b the worst,i am suprised it is still running!! (read more)
★★★★★
“BRILLIANT ”
Written on: 29/01/2012
saw the show yesterday at the grand canal theater in Dublin and have to say I thought it was excellent from start to finish it was on for 2 hours 20 mins including break and from start to finish the talent was spectacular, a must see for dirty dancing fans of the film I went to see it with 4 friends all females and fans of the film and we all agreed it was excellent and value for money. I can only but recommend and am quite surprised at some of the reviews claiming the show not to be very... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 79 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“What A Sorry Lot”
Written on: 09/01/2012 by royrie
Look-out Milton Keynes the rubbish that was Dirty Dancing is on its way to you. The Last day in Leeds was like the first day very amaturish, BABY in a world of her own round the stage looking for "What"? (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“not happy!!!!!”
Written on: 04/01/2012 by katknott
Was so looking forward to this show as i have been to lots off shows and always enjoyed them! I was so disappointed, the actor who played baby had NO skills what so ever and had the most irritating voice with the worst accent i have ever hard!!(that is putting it polite) after the show I spoke to a number of other people who also thought the same, but the singers, band and the dancers were fantastic. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“where was the music huh?”
Written on: 16/12/2011 by a.lawton (1 review written)
I have watched the film dirty dancing more than 100 times in my life, to say that i love the film is quite an understatement! i purchased the tickets way way back at the beginning of the yr whilst pregnant , for my friend and i to go to for my birthday after my son was born but on leaveing i was left feeling like had i paid 20 pounds and not nearly 50 pounds per ticket then i would have been much happier!. There was more times than i can remember whilst watching it that i said to my friend... (read more)
Gixer77's Response to a.lawton's Review
Written on: 10/09/2012
You clearly don't understand that stage shows have to be adapted slightly in many ways. Not every song or dance routine could go in due to time constraints, and dance routines may have to be changed depending on how much space there was on the stage. Extra numbers may have to be added to allow cast to change clothes or even have a breather between other strenuous dance routines. Surely someone with your limited intelligence must realise how knackered the dancers are up there after each number. And there's really no need to bang on about your pregnancy in this review. Totally irrelevant.
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“need to know a certain song!! ”
Written on: 14/10/2011 by claz1987
really really enjoyed the show at the bristol hippodrome but could someone please please tell me what the song is called and who by that the dr and mrs houseman dance to on their own? my mum used to sing it all the time and I cant remember!!! (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Good Show”
Written on: 11/07/2011 by mrandmrsdumbleton
Me and my husband love love love the film, and I must say we where very diappointed in the show. The guy that played was really bad and he keep winking at people! Plus they did not sing hungry eyes!!!!!! what was that all about! No wonder it is ending! Ray Quin was the best thing about the show. (read more)
★★★★★
“Dont understand all these really negative reviews, i...”
Written on: 19/05/2011
Dont understand all these really negative reviews, i thought it was fantastic.
Would definatly recommend to anyone to watch this musical.
My partner is a very manly man and definatly isnt into anything like this, but he absoloutly loved it.
At the end of the show everybody in the theatre was upstanding with applause, so obviously the cast are doing something right.
If you want a fun night out, then definatly go to see dirty dancing.
:)
(read more)
★★☆☆☆
“got a ticket for this show as a present.although my...”
Written on: 14/04/2011
got a ticket for this show as a present.although my friend seemed to like it I thought the acting and singing were terrible.where did they get jonny,he has no sex appeal whatsoever!!!!no chemistry with Baby and what a weird voice babys dad put on!! very disappointed with this show... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I didn't pay for the tickets as I was treated to the...”
Written on: 28/03/2011
I didn't pay for the tickets as I was treated to the show by a friend. In the first hour or so I was pretty aprehensive; the acting was a bit wooden and some of the singing quite out of tune. By the end of the first half, though, I was starting to really enjoy the show and I have to say the finale made the whole show worth it. The set changes and production of some of the scenes were really clever, and the atmosphere in the theatre in the most classic moments (especially THE lift!) was... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Tried too hard to copy a film that is a national...”
Written on: 20/03/2011
Tried too hard to copy a film that is a national treasure to women everywhere. Thought Ray Quinn was awful - out of tune with his grating voice and he looked very uncomfortable with the 'pumped up' look he has adopted. Ray wasted the long awaited highlight at the end with hid poor singing. Keep your money and go see Wicked which this show isn't. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Sorry but I have to disagree with alot of the negative...”
Written on: 01/03/2011
Sorry but I have to disagree with alot of the negative comments left. Saying that it was over acted and not serious enough etc. Well this is theatre and isn't that what it's all about? Never really watched the film all the way through before but whilst visiting my partner in London I thought I would treat her. Searched the Internet and managed to get some amazing seats right near the front for a discounted price. The performances were top and very heart felt by all the actors/actresses. For... (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 79 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“ABSOLUTE RUBBISH AND A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!! ...”
Written on: 15/02/2011 by erod2712 (1 review written)
ABSOLUTE RUBBISH AND A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!! This show should not still be running in London ! I took my wife to see it yesterday on Valentines Day and paid for really good seats - what a waste. My wife is a big fan of the movie (especially Patrick Swayze) and wanted to leave after the first half. Johnny Wright danced like a stick insect with epilepsy ! The only thing that was commendable was the singing of Ray Quinn, the dancing of Nadia Coote and a couple of the ensemble... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Was really looking forward to this show as I have...”
Written on: 04/02/2011
Was really looking forward to this show as I have loved the film for many years.I was SO dissapointed, the dancing was really good and Ray Quinns singing was amazing but the acting was absolutly terrible and definatly not worthy of a west end show. Would not recommend at all (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“WHY IS THIS STILL RUNNING??? ”
Written on: 06/12/2010
WHY IS THIS STILL RUNNING???
This show is surviving of the success of the film, it is the WORST show I have ever seen- and I have seen them all.
(read more)
★★★★★
“Went to see Dirty Dancing 2nd Oct, 2010 with 11 others...”
Written on: 18/10/2010
Went to see Dirty Dancing 2nd Oct, 2010 with 11 others age of group 40-70 it was absolutely fab. I had read reviews before we went and was a little concerned by them, especially as I had organised the trip. The music was just great as was the acting and dancing. We easily could have gone back the next day to watch it again. If you loved the film you will love the show. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Been to see this show twice now- first time didint...”
Written on: 03/09/2010
Been to see this show twice now- first time didint think much- there was only one song sung live - the rest was played off a cd???
Second time was a lot better thanks to Ray Quinn but still all but 3 songs i think were played off a cd- I paid to come and watch people perform and instead they mimed along to the songs- Very disappointed !!
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“truely dreadful, the actors seen to shout at each...”
Written on: 27/08/2010
truely dreadful, the actors seen to shout at each other, my own fault really, the film was only popular for one song and the corny lines and acting, I should have remembered that we used to take the mick out of it then, but this stage show is my worst nightmare, maybe great if you are a group of young girls out for a laugh, but not family entertainment, give it a big miss (read more)
★★★★★
“ I just been to see dirty dancing on 18th August 2010....”
Written on: 25/08/2010
I just been to see dirty dancing on 18th August 2010. We had a fantastic time. The production, the cast, the singing, dancing was first class. If your wife, partner is a fan of the film go and see this show. Can not praise the show enought.
(read more)
★★★★★
“I went to see the show on Saturday night (14th...”
Written on: 15/08/2010
I went to see the show on Saturday night (14th Aug)...with the new cast and it was BRILLIANT!!! The dancing was amazing and the acting from the entire cast top notch. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants a fantistic night out. Ray Quin was brilliant as Jonny's cousin(his verion of Still of the Night was the best...) and when Jonny and Baby did their dance at the end the whole place went crazy. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I had the time of my life!!!!!!! (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Overall, the show was like a French & Saunders...”
Written on: 26/07/2010
Overall, the show was like a French & Saunders Christmas special spoof of Dirty Dancing.
The lead actor (who I'm certain, was wearing a codpiece when first introduced to the audience) lacked charisma, was wooden, and didn't have the sense of rhythm, masculine grace or gravitas that Swayze possessed. As a result, the audience giggled during some of the key loves scenes between the two lead characters.
Performances were below average with the exception of the 'parents', the older 'femme...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“my husband took me to see it on the 6th july 2010 for...”
Written on: 08/07/2010
my husband took me to see it on the 6th july 2010 for our first wedding aniversary...he called it the ultimate sacrifice!
he hates the film! i love it! in the end we both walked out laughing at how BAD it was...wooden is just not enough to describe the acting and as for the dancing , well i am sorry but if you are going to be in dirty dancing you better be able to move your hips...
the male lead was dreadful, seemed to be out of place in all the scenes and the baby was as charismatic as a...
(read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 79 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“The Theatre was too hot, its a pity the actors were...”
Written on: 05/07/2010
The Theatre was too hot, its a pity the actors were not. They were very wooden and hadnt a clue. I have been to many shows, but would not recommend it at all. The only high spot (other than the seat I was in- 1 row from the back) was the last five minutes when Johnny actually moved from the spot and did a bit of dirty dancing. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“I Took my wife to see this for our 20th anniversary...”
Written on: 07/06/2010 by tonybooth33 (1 review written)
I Took my wife to see this for our 20th anniversary since its her favorite film of all time. On the plus side, the scenery changes and lead female actors were exellent along with a couple of very strong singers with amazing voices. On the down side we both felt the lead Patricks) male role had no chemistry and shouted his lines most of the time. I actually felt myself starting to dislike the character a few times which shouldnt have happened. He is an accomplished ballet star but clearly not... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I think you have to see the film to like the play! the...”
Written on: 31/05/2010
I think you have to see the film to like the play! the dancing was amazing and i just wish i could dance like that! The only bad thing i would say were the american accents, but you get used to them. The songs were great espically if you knew them all (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. ”
Written on: 20/05/2010
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.
I left the show (on 18 May 2010) thinking did I just see a college production of Dirty Dancing!
I brought tickets for me and a friend as a thank you present as I knew she really wanted to the show.
The acting was terrible (especially Johnny - I think he was the stand in), this was supposed to be Dirty Dancing, the dancing wasnt the best I have seen, poor secenery, only 2 songs are sang the rest is all played via record. I paid £65 each for tickets in the stalls...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Truly awful!!! I hadn't seen the film so had nothing...”
Written on: 17/05/2010
Truly awful!!! I hadn't seen the film so had nothing to compare but I found the relationship between Baby and Johnny totally unbelievable and with no sexual chemistry whatsoever. The production was padded out with cringeworthy songs and to quote a recent review of the new Robin Hood film, the acting was three times as wooden as Sherwood Forest! The audience was distinctly underwhelmed. Save your money and go and see a better show - any show is better than this rubbish! (read more)
★★★★★
“I cannot believe some people have described the...”
Written on: 29/04/2010
I cannot believe some people have described the acting in Dirty Dancing as 'wooden' - I first saw it just after Martin Harvey took over as Johnny and have seen it twice since, each time Martin just gets better and I don't think about Patrick Swayze any more when watching the show because Martin has made the role his own. The dancing is totally amazing and I thought the music was great with some amazing live songs mixed in with the soundtrack. Overall,sitting in the 2nd row of the stalls I... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Rubbish. Left half way through. Me and my mum have...”
Written on: 23/04/2010
Rubbish. Left half way through. Me and my mum have seen several musicals and this was the worst. However don't let it put you of others as seeing a show is such an experience. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I took my wife to see this production as she is a...”
Written on: 13/04/2010 by grassa (1 review written)
I took my wife to see this production as she is a massive fan of the film. It was absolutely terrible. The acting was wooden, the dancing poor and the soundtrack weak. However, the biggest problem seems to be that the Director seems to have no idea about theatre. If you are a big fan of the film it may be OK, but if you love theatre or musical theatre then please go and see something else. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“I am a massive Dirty Dancing fan and have seen the...”
Written on: 21/03/2010
I am a massive Dirty Dancing fan and have seen the film literally hundreds of times, I was so excited to see this show but it does dissapoint. Firstly the American accents are incredibly irritating, as is the acting. I actually thought the girl that played Penny was amazing but the leads were uninspiring, flat and had no chemistry. When there was dancing it was great but as previous reviews have said it was just a soundtrack played. The extra scenes really ruined it for me and the way that... (read more)
★★★★★
“Brilliant show, im a massive fan of dirty dancing and...”
Written on: 04/03/2010
Brilliant show, im a massive fan of dirty dancing and thought this show was amazing, all of the actors and actresses done an amazing job well done to you all. The extra scenes which are not in the film were a bonus, the only thing i was a little disapointed with was some of the biggest songs from the film were not included. Ive been twice now and will be going again for sure. (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 79 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“HORRID! I am a huge fan of musical theatre and of the...”
Written on: 15/02/2010
HORRID! I am a huge fan of musical theatre and of the movie but this was a disaster. It is neither a musical (there are only two songs that are actually sung live and nothing is added, it's all from the soundtrack), or a ballet (for a show with dancing in the title there is very little dancing besides the final number which is poor) and the acting is very bad. I couldn't have been more disappointed. This is literally just the movie performed live with nothing added (except a few stupid... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“We are very avid theatre fans and go about once a...”
Written on: 17/11/2009
We are very avid theatre fans and go about once a week. We have seen most shows in the westend, many of them more than once. We are rarely disappointed by a show.
It was our first time seeing Dirty Dancing and, to be honest, will probably be the only time. Although we both loved the film and have seen it many many times, the show just did not have the same emotion grabbing atmosphere.
The story is virtually exactly as per the film with a few extra scenes added that were probably put there...
(read more)
★★★★★
“went to see dirty dancing on the 2nd of oct travelled...”
Written on: 26/10/2009
went to see dirty dancing on the 2nd of oct travelled al the way from scotland took over 10 hours to get there but the show was absolutely worth the journey and every penny paid. i travelled down on a bus with many other people and there wasnt a bad word said. actors were all fantastic dancing and singing was superb. the stage wasn't the biggest but was used well and effectively. hope that the show comes to scotland as i would deff go again have recommended to everyone i know. added bonus is... (read more)
★★★★★
“I took my 11 year old daughter her friend and three of...”
Written on: 17/10/2009
I took my 11 year old daughter her friend and three of my friends. My friends and I are all Patrick Swayze fans and remember the original.
I would highly recommend this production. It was true to the film even down to the lines and every performance was great. What i was most impressed with was the stage and backdrops truley amazing. We all want to see it again.
I thought the program at £6 was fairly priced too.
Katerina :)
(read more)
★★★★★
“OMG!!! ”
Written on: 10/10/2009 by Ant31 (1 review written)
OMG!!!
I absouletly loved it!!! The actors were fantastic and the music and dancing was phenomenal. I was taken to see Dirty Dancing for my birthday present and it just made my Birthday. The performance made me have goosebumps. Although it was nearly word for word as the film, the extra bits added were a bonus.
I will be going again. Thank you
(read more)
★★★★★
“wonderfull, saw dirty dancing Sat 19th sept. Would...”
Written on: 23/09/2009
wonderfull, saw dirty dancing Sat 19th sept. Would definatley recomend it, get seats in the stalls best view. everybody was up danincg in the end. (read more)
★★★★★
“been to see this production many times with groups of...”
Written on: 18/09/2009
been to see this production many times with groups of friends, would definatley recommend it to all dirty dancing fans, the main charactures are johnny and baby , i have seen many actors play johnny ( martin harvey , richard lawerance, david erik, and more) all are fab! the dancing was the best and the atmosphere in there was electric. definatley recommend this show, its the best! get seats in circle , best view. be prepared to sing along! everyone does....... the souviner book is worth... (read more)
★★★★★
“ Dirty Dancing is wonderfull. great acting, seen it 5...”
Written on: 18/09/2009
Dirty Dancing is wonderfull. great acting, seen it 5 times now, going again soon,. definatley a chick thing! best seats are as close as possible to see there faces and connect they have on stage , very true to the film, great actors who play johnny and baby. (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“ Dirty Dancing as a great night out but some of the...”
Written on: 12/09/2009
Dirty Dancing as a great night out but some of the acting was a bit wooden. Some amazing singers and dancing was great. We were in the dress circle and it was very expensive and maybe not worth the money. (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Not what I expected for Dirty Dancing ...the second...”
Written on: 09/09/2009
Not what I expected for Dirty Dancing ...the second part of the showwas better then the first half, some of the characters were not strong enough. Not enough zest for me. However, Baby was brilliant! (read more)
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Showing 41 - 50 of 79 Reviews
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Guest's Comment
Written on: 09/05/2012
Went to see dirty dancing at MK theatre £75 a ticket. The best part was the final act, the rest was medeocre and flat.
Poor scenes poor script too bitty, dancers were great.
Show writers, scenery poor, looked very amateur.
Feel very sorry for the cast as the whole production was let down by the producers who only paid lip service to the original production.