DIRTY Dancing is a classic 80s film that had female hearts melting when Patrick Swayze uttered the immortal line “Nobody puts Baby in the corner”.

And the stage show loses none of the magic that has earned the film so many fans.

Gareth Bailey as heart-throb and leading man Johnny Castle has the Swayze swagger perfected and a great physique that drew many wolf-whistles and cheers from the largely female audience.

Bailey has great chemistry with both Roseanna Frascona as Baby, who looks uncannily like Jennifer Grey, and Carlie Milner as Penny.

The show stays very true to the film but there are extra bits that add to the overall performance, setting it more clearly in 1963 and expanding on some of the characters’ relationships.

Alexander Wolfe as squeaky-clean resort owner’s grandson Neil Kellerman and Mark Faith as Mr Schumacher provide some great comedy moments and of course there’s all the classic lines from the film that had the audience whooping.

The only downside is there is not much singing for a musical. Memorable songs such as She’s Like the Wind were only played briefly and I would’ve liked to see more ‘Dirty Dancing’ from the cast.

But other than that this is a great show for anyone that loves the film and you can’t help but leave with a smile on your face, humming away to (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.

* Dirty Dancing is on at the Mayflower until Saturday. To book tickets call the box office on 02380 711811 or go to mayflower.org.uk.

COREY ROSS