DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE returns to London in October 2026
Photo credit: Mark Senior (2023 West End production)
A reimagining of producer Karl Sydow’s record-breaking global hit Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage will be the first production to open at the Capital Theatre, a new 676-seat purpose-built venue in Westfield, London, beginning performances on 16 October.
Produced by Sydow, in association with Lions Gate Films and Magic Hour Productions, the stage production is written by Eleanor Bergstein - screenwriter of the phenomenally successful 1987 film - and features the much-loved characters and the original dialogue.
Twenty years after it first opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre, the production has been specially reconceived for the Capital Theatre, with a new staging and set design by director Federico Bellone that is more intimate and immersive than ever before. Audiences will be transported back to Kellerman’s resort in the summer of ’63 as Baby meets charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle and quickly becomes drawn into his world.
Offering a fresh take on the beloved story, script and music, Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage brings to life the iconic tale and memorable moments - from Baby’s "carrying a watermelon" to her heartwarming transformation and the unforgettable final dance that proves “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” - with a live band and a company of over 40 performers. The production features sensational new choreography by Chiara Vecchi (including that famous lift) whilst the classic soundtrack of 35 hit songs including ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I've Had) The Time of My Life’, will be played live under the musical supervision of Richard John.
Building work has begun on Capital Theatre, the state-of-the-art venue, which is set over 35,000 square feet, taking over the southwest corner at Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush. Featuring an intimate and flexible auditorium designed by Pilbrow & Partners, the theatre offers a premium experience where each of the 676 seats will offer a fantastic view and audiences will never be more than nine rows from the performance area.
The venue will also accommodate premium rehearsal rooms, first class backstage facilities including offices, dressing rooms, creative and technical facilities alongside management offices, whilst the front of house spaces will feature a foyer café open throughout the day, onsite box office and a merchandise store open seven days a week. The Capital Theatre will be operated by Karl Sydow and Ivan Mactaggart.
The creative team includes director and set designer Federico Bellone, choreographer Chiara Vecchi, music supervisor Richard John, lighting designer Valerio Tiberi, sound designer Chris Whybrow, costume designer Chiara Donato, and casting director Harry Blumenau CDG.