Everything you need to know about Dirty Dancing to have the time of your life

Dirty Dancing returns to the West End for a strictly limited 15-week season at the Prince Edward Theatre. With iconic songs, and instantly recognizable quotes, this musical promises you’ll have the time of your life. Here’s everything you need to know about this foot-tapping night out.

Twenty years after it first premiered at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006, Dirty Dancing makes a triumphant return to the West End with a limited run at the Prince Edward Theatre from 19 January until 24 April 2027.

Based on Eleanor Bergstein’s iconic 1987 film, the musical features music from the soundtrack, performed live by a band, including ‘“’Hungry Eyes,’ ‘Hey! Baby,’ ‘Do You Love Me?’ and of course, ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.’

It’s a must see for fans of the movie, but even if you haven’t seen it, Dirty Dancing promises plenty of fun for a night out. Here’s everything you need to know about the musical and it’s upcoming London run.

View live availability for Dirty Dancing tickets here

Key dates and venue

Theatre: Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London
Booking dates: 19 January to 24 April 2027
Tickets: Book your tickets here

What is Dirty Dancing about?

Set in the summer of 1963, the musical – and the film it’s based on – follows seventeen-year-old Frances “Baby” Houseman, who’s on holiday with her family at Kellerman’s, a holiday resort in the Catskills. She discovers a world of music and dance when she meets Johnny Castle, the resort’s dance instructor. When Johnny’s partner can no longer perform, Baby steps in.

Rehearsals, romance and rebellion follow as her sheltered upbringing collides with the class divides of the resort. It’s a warm and romantic story that asks a simple question: can two people from entirely different worlds find a place together?

Dirty Dancing: from screen to stage

Released in 1987, the film was something of a surprise hit, made on a modest budget and building its audience through word of mouth and a soundtrack that stayed on the charts. Its best-known moments, including the iconic dance lift, are so familiar that most people would get the reference even if they’d never seen the film.

Screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein wrote and co-produced the film, based in large part on her own childhood. She was also behind the musical adaptation, translating her work into a stage version that opened in Australia in 2004.

When it premiered opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006, the musical had a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history.

The production also became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5 year run.

One of the joys of the film – it’s iconic soundtrack – makes the leap to the stage with just as much enthusiasm. The stage adaptation blends the movie soundtrack seamlessly with live performances by the cast, and includes many of the familiar songs. It also keeps the story, dialogue and characters that audiences know from the film.

*Dirty Dancing. Images copyright Lionsgate*

Who’s in it?

Leading the cast as Johnny Castle is Michael O’Reilly (West Side Story), who returns to play the charismatic dance instructor following acclaimed performances in prior West End, UK tour and Paris productions.

He will be joined by Pippa Jackson as Baby Houseman, in her professional stage debut.

The creative team

The creative team for the upcoming London run includes:

Book by: Eleanor Bergstein
Director and set designer: Federico Bellone
Choreographer: Austin Wilks
Lighting designer: Valerio Tiberi
Sound designer: Chris Whybrow
Costume designer: Jennifer Irwin

What to expect on the night

With a running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, it’s a longer watch than the original film, but it promises to offer plenty of nostalgia for fans of the film. This musical is, of course, all about the choreography: physical, sensual and downright infectious. Don’t worry, that iconic lift is definitely part of the production so expect a few gasps of wonder, because it never gets old.

Content-wise, there is some adult content in the show. While it’s recommended for ages 14+, the show does have an adult edge to it. Partial nudity is to be expected and the story also addresses abortion.

Overall, it’s a feel-good, crowd-pleasing night out, so expect to be humming the songs as you make your way home.

Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage, a previous adaptation of the movie. Kira Malou, Michael O'Reilly & the ensemble. Photo by Mark Senior — *Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage, a previous adaptation of the movie. Kira Malou, Michael O’Reilly & the ensemble. Photo by Mark Senior*

Is Dirty Dancing worth seeing?

If you want a big, romantic evening full of nostalgia, then yes, this is one to book. An extra emphatic yes if you already love the film. , if you want a big, romantic, crowd-pleasing night at the theatre and you already love the film. Demand is expected to be high, so if you’re excited by seeing the stage adaptation, early booking is recommended.

Book tickets to Dirty Dancing at the Prince Edward Theatre

Plan your visit to Dirty Dancing

Theatre: Prince Edward Theatre
Booking dates: 19 January to 24 April 2027
Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings; Friday and Saturday matinees
Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including interval)
Access performances: Audio Described Performance on 9 March 2027 at 7:30pm, Captioned Performance on 17 March 2027 at 7:30pm
Age guidance: 14+
Getting there: Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus Underground stations are a short walk away (confirm)
Tickets: See full details for Dirty Dancing here