Cast Announced for Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage As Brand New Production Plans to Open in Blackpool

The producers behind the brand new production of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage have announced the cast who will kick off the new tour when it begins in Blackpool this summer.

Blackpool Opera House will play host to the hit show for almost three weeks when it begins a brand new touring production on August 11.

And producers Karl Sydow and Paul Elliott have now revealed who will be taking to the stage in this classic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.

Lewis Griffiths will star as ‘Johnny Castle’, one of the most iconic roles in popular culture. Lewis has had a prolific career in musical theatre, most recently starring as ‘Nick Massi’ on the UK tour of Jersey Boys. Other roles in UK tours include Ghost and Legally Blonde, and West End credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Rent and Whistle Down the Wind.

Katie Hartland will make her professional musical theatre debut carrying the watermelons as she takes on the role of ‘Baby Houseman’, having graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2015.

Carlie Milner will star as ‘Penny Johnson’. Carlie is part of the Dirty Dancing family; starting as a member of the ensemble in 2014, she covered and subsequently took over the role of ‘Penny’ in 2015.

Joining Lewis, Katie and Carlie will be Julian Harries as ‘Jake Houseman’, Simone Craddock as ‘Marjorie Houseman’, Roger Martin ‘as Max Kellerman’, Jo Servi as ‘Tito Suarez’, Lizzie Ottley as ‘Lisa Houseman’, Michael Kent as ‘Billy Kostecki’, Greg Fossard as ‘Neil Kellerman’, Tony Stansfield as ‘Mr Schumacher’, and Daniela Dobega as ‘Elizabeth’. Also joining the company are Gabby Antrobus, Imogen Brooke, Simon Campbell, Robert Colvin, Katie Eccles, Beth Highsted, Megan Louch, Ashley Rumble, Callum Sterling, Austin Wilks and Karl James Wilson.

This new tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is the first time the show has come to Blackpool and follows two blockbuster West End runs, two hit UK tours, and various sensational international productions.

Winter Gardens Managing Director Michael Williams said: “We are delighted cast announcements have now been made for Dirty Dancing.

“Since we announced last autumn that the show would be coming to Blackpool the response has been absolutely amazing. There is clearly a lot of love for Dirty Dancing and I have no doubt audiences will be thrilled with what they see on stage.”

Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will play at Blackpool Opera House from Thursday 11 to Tuesday August 30. For more details go to www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk