London News
Dirty Dancing Stage Musical Will Make London Return
Director Federico Bellone's take on the 1987 film will play the purpose-built Capital Theatre.
March 04, 2026 By Logan Culwell-Block
A stage adaptation of cult favorite 1987 film Dirty Dancing will make a London return, with performances set to begin October 16 at the purpose-built Capital Theatre in Westfield. Opening night will be November 6, and performances are currently scheduled to continue through March 21, 2027.
The production coming to the Capital (not to be confused with the Lonny Price–directed musical readying a U.S. tour) will be a reimagined version of a production that played the Aldwych Theatre in London's West End for five years beginning in 2006, written by the film's screenwriter, Eleanor Bergstein. The jukebox score includes 35 hit songs, including "Hungry Eyes," "Hey Baby," "Do You Love Me?," and "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," all as featured in the 1987 film.
This new staging will feature direction and set design by Federico Bellone, choreography by Chiara Vecchi, music supervision by Richard John, lighting design by Valerio Tiberi, sound design by Chris Whybrow, and costume design by Chiara Donato. Juliet Gough will serve as associate director, and Lucy Fowler will be associate set designer. Stuart Tucker is serving as production manager.
Dirty Dancing centers on Frances "Baby" Houseman, who falls in love with a dance instructor while at a summer camp resort with her family. Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, and Lonny Price were all among the film's cast.
Karl Sydow is producing the London return in association with Lions Gate Films and Magic Hour Productions, with Russ Spencer serving as producer and Ivan Mactaggart as co-producer. General management is by New Road Theatricals.
The 2006 staging of the production will embark on a tour of the U.K. and Ireland beginning in August.
Tickets are at CapitalTheatre.co.uk.
