Fans of one of the worldโs most-loved romantic films will be able to relive the magic of Dirty Dancing when the hit stage production arrives at Manchester Palace Theatre in September 2026.
Produced by Karl Sydow in association with Lionsgate Films and Magic Hour Productions, Dirty Dancing โ The Classic Story On Stage will bring the iconic story, unforgettable music and famous dance sequences to audiences across the UK and Ireland as part of its 2026/27 tour.
The Manchester Palace Theatre will welcome the production from Tuesday, 29 September 2026, giving fans the chance to experience the much-loved story live on stage.
New cast announced for Dirty Dancing Manchester tour
The first casting details for the upcoming tour have now been revealed, with Joel Benjamin taking on the legendary role of Johnny Castle.
Joel joins the production fresh from Disneyโs Hercules the Musical in the West End and has previously appeared in productions including Dirty Dancing at the Dominion Theatre and on its 2023 UK tour, as well as Chicago the Musical, The Bodyguard Das Musical and Mamma Mia.
The role of Frances โBabyโ Houseman will be played by Charlie Varlet, who will make her theatre tour debut in the production.
Charlieโs previous credits include film roles in Sense and Sensibility, produced by Working Title, and Theyโre Gone!.
Penny Johnson will be played by Ellie Fergusson, who rose to fame after winning the first series of The Greatest Dancer. She has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and BBC Summer Sessions, with theatre credits including Kevan Allenโs Coppรฉlia and Ballet Central.
The production will once again be directed by Federico Bellone, with choreography from Austin Wilks.
Dirty Dancing brings iconic music and romance to Manchester
Based on the hugely successful 1987 film, Dirty Dancing โ The Classic Story On Stage follows Baby and Johnny, two young people from very different backgrounds who find themselves brought together during one unforgettable summer.
The stage production promises all the drama, romance and energy that made the original film a global phenomenon, combining emotional storytelling with spectacular choreography and live performances.
Audiences can expect to hear some of the filmโs biggest songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby, Do You Love Me? and the unforgettable (Iโve Had) The Time of My Life.
Seen by millions of people around the world, the production has become a favourite with fans of the original film and continues to attract new audiences with its mix of romance, music and dance.
Following its Manchester run, Dirty Dancing โ The Classic Story On Stage will continue touring theatres across the UK and Ireland until summer 2027.
Tickets are available here.
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