It’s the summer of 1963. Naive, infantilised teenager Frances (Baby) Houseman (here played by Kira Malou) is a girl on the cusp of adulthood. She’s also having the time of her life whilst on vacation with her respectable, middle-class parents and ditsy older sister, Lisa (Daisy Steere). The reason? Well, much to the dismay of her folks, Baby has fallen in love with resident dance instructor Johnny Castle (Michael O’Reilly). The relationship transforms her from a shy, clumsy, awkward girl into a self-assured, newly awakened young woman - one who also learns to be a highly skilled dancer in record time!

The above is pretty much the storyline of Dirty Dancing - originally a hit movie starring Jennifer Grey and the late Patrick Swayze, now a breathtaking stage musical. 

The theatrical version, stopping off in Birmingham this week, features many of the film’s best-known songs, including She’s Like The Wind, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me and the heart-stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life. The majority of numbers are performed by the ensemble or on-stage band, leaving the lead characters free to move the story along and perform the hot and sultry dance moves.

There is fantastic chemistry between Malou and O’Reilly in the lead roles. Both give compelling performances, as Baby and Johnny’s unconventional relationship crosses the class divide of the 1960s. 

Special mention should also go to Georgia Aspinall as Penny, Johnny’s dance partner. Her shimmying hips and incredible high-kicks are a sight to behold! 

Steere, too, as Baby’s sister, gives a knockout performance, bringing great humour to the role. Her memorable Hula song is excruciatingly funny!

The show is awash with vibrant performances, the dancing and choreography are truly spectacular - the famous final lift is stunning - and the costumes and sets effectively call to mind both the original movie and the era in which the story takes place.

Dirty Dancing is romantic musical entertainment at its best - seriously sexy but at the same time genuinely funny, making it an irresistible experience not only for fans of the movie but also for anybody experiencing its magic for the very first time. 

The audience absolutely loved last night’s performance, showing their appreciation with rapturous applause and a standing ovation. This is definitely a show not to be missed. In fact, who knows... you might even have the time of your life. 

Five stars

Reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 18 July at The Alexandra, Birmingham, where it shows until Saturday (22 July).