Dirty Dancing

Dirty Dancing returns to London’s West End at the Prince Edward Theatre from 19 January to 24 April 2027. This is the London season of The Classic Story on Stage, bringing Baby and Johnny’s summer romance back to the theatre. The story combines the awkwardness of a first holiday crush with the confidence and excitement of discovering a new way to dance.

What is Dirty Dancing about?

It is the summer of 1963. Frances “Baby” Houseman arrives at Kellerman’s resort with her family, expecting the kind of holiday her parents have planned for her. Meeting dance instructor Johnny Castle introduces her to a different world, where the staff’s after-hours dancing is far removed from the resort’s polite daytime entertainment. Learning the steps becomes part of Baby’s growing independence, as she begins to question the expectations of the people around her.

The stage adaptation is written by Eleanor Bergstein, who wrote the original film. Familiar music includes Hungry Eyes, Hey! Baby and Do You Love Me?, with the famous lift among the moments audiences look forward to. Dance is central to the storytelling: the changing partnership between Baby and Johnny gives their relationship a physical language as well as a dramatic one.

The 2027 London cast and creative team

Michael O’Reilly plays Johnny Castle, Pippa Jackson plays Frances “Baby” Houseman, and Emily Layden-Fritz plays Penny Johnson. Federico Bellone directs and designs the set, with choreography by Austin Wilks. The production is presented by Karl Sydow. Casting can change, so a particular performer’s appearance should not be treated as a condition of your booking.

Dates, performances and tickets

The Prince Edward Theatre season runs from 19 January to 24 April 2027. Check Dirty Dancing dates and seats through British Theatre. Compare the performances that suit your visit before choosing seats, then check the date, time and total price in the booking flow before paying. Availability and prices can differ between performances.

The regular schedule is Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm, Friday at 5pm and 8.30pm, and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Allow approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Use the time shown on your chosen performance when arranging dinner or onward travel.

Age guidance and content notes

The age recommendation is 14+. The production includes adult themes, haze and brief strobe effects. Under-16s must sit beside an accompanying adult aged 18 or over; children under three are not admitted. Check the venue’s content guidance if these effects may affect someone in your party.

Getting to the Prince Edward Theatre

The theatre is on Old Compton Street in Soho, close to Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations. Charing Cross is the nearest mainline station. Plan time for the walk from the station and the theatre’s security checks, especially if you are combining the performance with another London activity.

The Prince Edward Theatre guide is a useful starting point for your visit. If you need step-free seating or wheelchair accommodation, speak to the venue’s access team before selecting seats. The theatre has bars serving drinks and snacks; outside food and drink are not permitted.

What happened to the Capital Theatre run?

The previously announced Capital Theatre opening at Westfield London was delayed. This booking is for the Prince Edward Theatre season in the West End. Existing Capital Theatre ticket holders should follow the instructions sent by their original ticket seller; a booking for that venue should not be assumed to transfer automatically to a performance here.