Dirty Dancing returns to London's West End at the Phoenix Theatre

The musical based on the hit film returns to London.

It has been announced that Dirty Dancing, the classic story on stage, will return to London's West End for a strictly limited season at the Phoenix Theatre from 6 to 31 December 2016.

Written by Eleanor Bergstein the production is directed by Federico Bellone with choreography by Gillian Bruce, set design by Roberto Comotti, costume design by Jennifer Irwin, lighting design by Valerio Tiberi, sound design by Armando Vertullo and musical direction by Michael John.

Based on the film of the same name, Dirty Dancing follows Baby and Johnny during one summer at Kellerman's Summer Camp. It features the hit songs from the film including "Hungry Eyes", "Hey! Baby", "Do You Love Me?" and "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life".

"The story has been re-written for the stage, but includes all of the memorable moments from the film. The Houseman's take their vacation at a popular holiday camp, where youngest daughter 'Baby' meets dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks, Johnny. There begins a classic love story through which we see that love can conquer all barriers and we learn that 'nobody puts Baby in the corner'!"

The production originated in Milan in July 2015 and went on to run at the 15,000 seat Roman Arena in Verona. The UK production will open at the Blackpool Opera House on 11 August 2016 and has since toured the UK to venues which have included Manchester, Carlisle, Northampton, Stoke and York.

The cast will include Lewis Griffiths as Johnny Castle, Katie Hartland as Baby Bouseman, and Carlie Milner as Penny Johnson.

They will be joined by Simone Craddock (Marjorie Houseman), Roger Martin (Max Kellerman), Jo Servi (Tito Suarez), Lizzie Ottley (Lisa Houseman), Michael Kent (Billy Kostecki), Greg Fossard (Neil Kellerman), Tony Stansfield (Mr Schumacher), Daniela Pobega (Elizabeth), and Camilla Rowland (Vivian). Also joining the company are Gabby Antrobus, Simon Campbell, Robert Colvin, Michael Cookson, Katie Eccles, Beth Highsted, Matthew James Hinchliff, Samuel John Humphreys, Megan Louch, Ashley Rumble, Callum Sterling, Austin Wilks and Karl James Wilson, who is the Alternate 'Johnny Castle'.

The original West End production of Dirty Dancing opened on 24 October 2006 at the Aldwych Theatre, closing on 9 July 2011. It reopened at the Piccadilly Theatre on 13 July 2013 where it ran to February 2014.