Initial casting announced for Dirty Dancing, visiting Sunderland Empire in September 2026

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

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 Sunderland Empire’s stage from Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 September 2026 as part of a UK and Ireland tour running until summer 2027.

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5-year run.

Produced by Karl Sydow in association with Lionsgate Films, Magic Hour Productions, and Ivan Mactaggart -Co-Producer for Freedom Riders. Written by Eleanor Bergstein – screenwriter of the phenomenally successful 1987 film – the production features the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic film.

The stage production is inspired by the classic hit film directed by Emile Ardolino, written by Eleanor Bergstein, produced by Linda Gottlieb, and starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey alongside Jerry Orbach and Cynthia Rhodes.

Dirty Dancing plays at Sunderland Empire Tuesday 22 – Saturday 26 September 2026. Tickets are available here.