LADIES if you like a man who can seriously move on the dance floor - then get yourself to the Regent Theatre!
Because Paul-Michael Jones can surely move those hips of his - which is obviously the reason why he is playing the lead role of Johnny Castle in the stage production of Dirty Dancing.
Having watched the iconic 1987 film of the same name, oh probably around 20 times, I was perhaps feeling a little apprehensive that no stage show version could live up to the brilliance of the actual Patrick Swayze movie.
But for me, and my daughter, watching Dirty Dancing at The Regent last Wednesday was a sensational theatre experience.
Right from the start of the show, the atmosphere was electric with like-minded Dirty Dancing fans whooping and cheering as the show started.
There’s perhaps no point going through the story line of this show - because who hasn't seen Dirty Dancing? We all know that Baby and her family go on holiday to Kellerman’s Holiday Camp and she falls in love with the arrogant but terribly alluring dance teacher Johnny Castle.
The pair, from completely different walks of life, practically go though the Romeo and Juliet of courting but wonderfully there is a happy ever after.
The stage show is so much like the movie, with original dialogue and choreography. However, there is a few extra scenes to the stage show which is perhaps, in a way, puzzling but also refreshing at the same time.
All of the actors and actresses played their respective parts down to a tee and the stage props and scenery, especially the use of projected film, was superb.
A thoroughly enjoyable show throughout, however, the pinnacle of the show for me, and no doubt for the rest of the audience going by the eruption of cheers, was when ‘Johnny Castle’ said the infamous line of 'Nobody puts Baby in a corner'.
What more can I say - other than if you are a Dirty Dancing fan - then this is a show definitely not to be missed!!
BELINDA HARGREAVES
Dirty Dancing is showing at the Regent Theatre until March 30. For tickets go online to www.atgtickets.com /shows/dirty-dancing/regent-theatre/
