DIRTY DANCING

BLACKPOOL OPERA HOUSE

Until August 30 

IT was a brave man who accompanied his wife or girlfriend to the opening night of Dirty Dancing on stage at the magnificent Opera House in the  Winter Gardens,  Blackpool.

You could almost hear the chests being puffed out and the waistlines being sucked in all around you as the muscle bound Lewis Griffiths took to the stage.

I make no apology for sounding sexist but this was, without doubt, ladies' night and the only man getting any attention was the lean, mean dancing machine playing the part of Johnny Castle.

As fans of the cult film will know this part was owned on the silver screen  by the late, great Patrick Swayze and it would take someone with an incredible stage presence to fill those rather splendid dancing shoes.

But Griffiths more than met the challenge, channelling the spirit of Swayze with the sort of swagger the iconic film became famous for.

The story is untouched which was refreshing - no need to mess with something that works so well - and the characters pure. 

Katie Hartland looks remarkably simlar to Jennifer Grey who played Baby in the film and captured the character's innocence and generosity to perfection.

All the favourite music is there and the build up to that famous line - you know the one - was magnificent.

Set changes are neat and rather clever and some inventive lighting and special effects helped to create THAT lift scene in the water.

My niece and I made a day of it, shopping in Blackpool then enjoying a delicious meal at the Gourmet Burger Theatre Bar  at the Winter Gardens before taking our seats for the show.

The seaside resort was buzzing last night and is a very credible alternative to Manchester for Bolton folk looking to take in a top class show - my point proven when we got chatting to four lovely ladies from Breightmet enjoying a post-show tipple.

So a few words of advice for anyone thinking of buying tickets.

Firstly go with the girls - you can swoon at the hero's biceps without fear of offending your other half and do not even think about taking the children  as there is an age restriction in place and with the rather risque (yet tasteful) content it is not difficult to see why.

If you haven't already guessed I loved it and can highly recommend the show.

Runs until August 30.

Gayle McBain