'Dirty Dancing' to return to the West End in 2027 as Capital Theatre delays opening

Based on the classic 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows 17-year-old Frances "Baby" Houseman across one summer as she falls in love with dancing — and her instructor.

Dirty Dancing will return to the West End next year, beginning performances at the Prince Edward Theatre in January 2027. The production had been due to open at the new Capital Theatre in west London this autumn, but the venue has delayed its opening to next year.

Based on the classic 1987 film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, Dirty Dancing follows 17-year-old Frances "Baby" Houseman across one summer as she falls in love with dancing — and her instructor. The musical includes songs such as “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey! Baby”, “Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”.

Dirty Dancing had its West End premiere at the Aldwych Theatre in 2006, where it ran for five years. It returned to the West End's Piccadilly Theatre in 2013, as well as the Phoenix Theatre in 2016, and the Dominion Theatre in 2022 and 2023.

On the show's postponement at the new Capital Theatre, a statement on the website reads: “Due to continuing planning permission delays with Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council which are beyond the producer’s control, the Capital Theatre at Westfield London has been unavoidably further delayed.

“All Capital Theatre ticket holders are being contacted directly regarding their booking and will have special access to tickets for the Prince Edward season. The producers apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause and thank audiences for their patience during the construction of the theatre. New dates for Dirty Dancing at the Capital Theatre will be announced in due course.

“This does not affect the UK and Ireland tour of Dirty Dancing which is now playing across the country, welcoming audiences on its new critically-acclaimed hit tour currently running to summer 2027.”

Full details of the limited West End run will be announced in due course.

Check back for Dirty Dancing tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: an image from a past production of Dirty Dancing. (Courtesy of production)