Dirty Dancing, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review

And the show remains as popular as ever with a packed house and everyone in the audience cha-cha-charring their way back to the car park.

Based on the 1987 movie of the same name, starring Jennifer Gray and the great late Patrick Swayze, this is the coming of age tale of Baby Houseman's feministic dreams, which are challenged on a family holiday when she meets and falls in love with dance teacher Johnny Castle.

Baby subsequently becomes involved in the lives and romances of the staff at Kellerman's holiday resort, as well as experiencing her own first love.

No director in their right mind would tamper with the original script of such a sacred piece, and fans can heave a sigh of relief, as the famous Dirty Dancing script remains intact. You can relive every cheesy line, well known cliché and enjoy every loveable character. Although the direction of this updated touring version of the show is at times a little weak and some of the acting feels somewhat stilted, it still remains superbly entertaining.

Dance is the main focus of the piece of course and the outstanding ensemble display extraordinary technique and performances throughout, offering the audience The Time of Their Lives from the opening of the show to one of the best loved finales ever seen on stage or on the big screen.

The hits of the 50s and 60s including Do You Love Me?, Love Man, Wipe Out, There Will Never Be Another You and Be My Baby come thick and fast, albeit pre-recorded, but there is also added live performances from the outstanding seven-piece band under the instruction of Richard John.

Add to that the numbers written for the movie including the haunting ballad, She's Like the Wind, the sultry Hungry Eyes, an upbeat tune with an 80s feel entitled Yes, and you pretty much have a perfect score.

It is however Michael Kent's rendition of In the Still of the Night, together with a wonderful saxophone solo by Matthew James Hinchcliffe, which is the musical highlight of the evening.

The role of Baby is iconic of course and in the most part Katie Hartland does a good job of portraying the innocence and allure the role demands, although it took me some time to warm to her performance. That said, by the finale, I loved her.

Jersey Boys star Lewis Griffiths commands the stage as the perfect Johnny Castle, bringing charm and charisma to the role, as well as displaying excellent dance technique. It wasn't until the finale I really felt any chemistry between the two, however, and at times Lewis Griffiths seemed to over shadow Katie Hartland's performance.

Understudy Megan Louch is simply stunning as Penny, grabbing her opportunity to dance everyone else off the stage, while Jo Servi brings sophistication and smooth moves in his characterisation of Tito Suarez. The staging of the piece is well produced with rotating sets which move with ease but there were times when stage hands were on display and shadows of those changing off stage could be seen.

To replicate the diving into the water scene from the film is not easy on stage of course but with extremely clever lighting effects, coupled with a gauze, seem to be the answer.

This dance content in the show is completely unique and well above the standard generally expected in a touring musical.

The audience appreciated the death defying drops, the stunning Salsa moves and the mesmerising Merengue.

But of course the moment everyone was waiting for was the climatic lift where Baby runs and jumps into Johnny's arms and he lifts her over his head.

It is executed to perfection by the couple and brings a tear to the eye of the romantics in the audience.

Runs until Saturday.

For tickets call 01902 429212 or visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk

By Alison Norton