Dirty Dancing

The Alhambra

IN the summer of 1963. John F Kennedy is still the president, and the Beatles have yet to invade America.

America was entering a new era. The civil rights movement was reaching a climax, as Martin Luther King Jr addressed crowds of over 250,000 in Washington DC with his "I have a dream" speech. Social and political ideals were sweeping through the country, changing American culture, and young people were urged to use their voice. "As not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," President Kennedy told a new generation of Americans.

For Frances “Baby” Houseman, the summer of '63 was much like any other. She was to spend it at Kellerman's holiday camp, an all-American mountain resort, with her parents and vacuous sister. Cocooned by a sheltered middle-class upbringing, Baby's future is pretty much planned. College, a stint in the Peace Corps, then marriage to a man of standing, like her dear father.

But then she goes and meets charismatic, sexy Johnny Castle, chief dancer in the Kellerman’s entertainment troupe, and before she can say "I carried a water melon" (which will mean nothing to anyone not familiar with this show) she's drawn into his world of free expression - and dirty dancing.

Based on the much-loved 1987 movie, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, this lively, and occasionally steamy, production is a faithful enough adaptation to keep the fans happy.

The audience, comprised largely of women who no doubt fell in love with Swayze in the film, whooped as Johnny gyrated across the stage, transforming Baby into not just a dancer, but a woman.

Dirty Dancing is a coming-of-age story with edge. It's a sexy, sultry show but with enough romance, humour and schmaltz to keep it family-friendly. Slick choreography is set to the catchy score, including Do You Love Me?, Hey! Baby, Hungry Eyes, Love Man and feelgood floor-filler (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life, and an impressive set enabled the story to unfold in simultaneity, with characters making up, breaking up, dressing and undressing in various corners of Kellerman's at the same time.

Video footage brought the classic lake and log balancing scenes to life, as Baby emerged from her chrysalis.

By the time Johnny had leapt onto the stage to declare: "Nobody puts Baby in the corner”, the scene was set for “that lift” - and lead actors Lewis Griffiths and Katie Hartland didn't disappoint.

The pair headed up a talented cast, with Lewis lighting up the stage as a brooding, intense Johnny, and Katie giving a delightful performance as Baby, taking her from self-conscious teen to a confident young woman.

Carlie Milner was tough and vulnerable, with legs to die for, as dancer Penny, and Lizzie Ottley had us chuckling as Baby's sister Lisa; her Hula routine a comic highlight of the show.

They're having time of their lives - and so did we!

* Runs until Saturday