Preview: Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story at Sunderland Empire

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 DIRTY DANCING RETURNS TO SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THIS SEPTEMBER

The nation's favourite dance floor romance is heading back to the North East, as Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage visits Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 September 2026.

Charlie Varlet (Baby), Joel Benjamin (Johnny), Ellie Fergusson (Penny) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

Inspired by the beloved 1987 film, the show tells the story of Baby Houseman and dance instructor Johnny Castle, whose worlds collide over one unforgettable summer. Expect all the romance, rebellion and raw chemistry that made the original a classic, plus that unmistakable soundtrack, including "Hungry Eyes," "Hey! Baby," "Do You Love Me?" and the show-stopping "(I've Had) The Time of My Life."

Leading the cast as Johnny Castle is Joel Benjamin, recently seen in Disney's Hercules the Musical in the West End, with previous stints in Dirty Dancing itself (Dominion Theatre, UK tour and Paris), Chicago the Musical and Mamma Mia. Making her theatre touring debut in the iconic role of Baby is Charlie Varlet, whose screen credits include Sense and Sensibility. Rounding out the leads is Ellie Fergusson as Penny Johnson — familiar to TV audiences as the winner of the first series of The Greatest Dancer and a Strictly Come Dancing alum.

Charlie Varlet (Baby) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

The production is directed once again by Federico Bellone, with choreography by Austin Wilks, and is produced by Karl Sydow in association with Lionsgate Films and Magic Hour Productions. Screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein, who penned the original film, has written the stage adaptation, preserving the dialogue fans know by heart.

Ellie Fergusson (Penny) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

Joel Benjamin (Johnny) 
Photo: Paul Madeley 

Sunderland forms part of a UK and Ireland tour running through to summer 2027, following the show's record-breaking history at London's Aldwych Theatre, where it played to over two million people across a five-year run.

Tickets are on sale now via ATG Tickets' Sunderland box office site (a transaction fee may apply to online bookings). LINK