Initial casting of Johnny, Baby and Penny, coming to the Manchester Palace Theatre September 2026

Exploding with heart-pounding music, breath-taking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing, the stage production inspired by the hit film will once again come to life before your eyes with this fantastic, emotional and triumphant live show.

The 2026/27 tour will be led by Joel Benjamin as Johnny Castle, fresh from Disney’s Hercules the Musical in the West End. Other theatre credits include Dirty Dancing (Dominion Theatre, 2023 UK Tour and Paris Seasons); Chicago the Musical (UK Tour, Dubai, International and Asia Tour, Japan Tour); Bodyguard Das Musical (European Tour); Mamma Mia the Musical (Royal Caribbean).

The iconic role of Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman will be played by Charlie Varlet, making her theatre tour debut. Charlie’s film credits include Sense and Sensibility (Working Title); They’re Gone! (London New Wave).

Penny Johnson will be played by Ellie Fergusson, who is known for winning the first series of The Greatest Dancer; as well as Strictly Come Dancing; and BBC Summer Sessions. Her tour credits include Kevan Allen’s Coppélia and Ballet Central.

Once again Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage will be directed by Federico Bellone and choreographed by Austin Wilks.

Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

Featuring the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’, the iconic show returns to the stage, Coming to the Manchester Palace Theatre the 29^th of September 2026. Thereafter, Dirty Dancing will go on to entertain audiences across the UK and Ireland until the summer of 2027.

Dirty Dancing plays at Manchester Palace Theatre Tue 29 Sep – Sat 3 Oct 2026. Tickets are available here.