Nobody puts Baby in the corner – especially when she’s in the latest all-singing, all-dancing production of Dirty Dancing.

The new touring production, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage, has already sold more than 150,000 tickets since they went on sale in October.

Now coming to Dartford's Orchard Theatre, the classic story of Baby and Johnny features the hit songs Hungry Eyes, Do You Love Me? and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life and stars Lewis Griffiths as Johnny Castle, with Katie Hartland making her professional musical theatre debut carrying the watermelons as Baby Houseman and Carlie Milner as dancer Penny Johnson.

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances “Baby” Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing.

On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains she stumbles across a dance party. Mesmerised by the dance moves she can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor.

THE MOVES

With so many dance moves, the show is physically demanding on all its players. We caught five minutes with two of its stars at Fitness First.

Lewis said: “Before Dirty Dancing I had just four weeks before rehearsals to wake my body up so started doing something every day – five-a-side football, weightlifting or jogging. I don’t exercise much between shows. The biggest issue I have when I’m working is keeping weight on!”

Carlie, 29, who plays Penny, said: “I do eight shows a week – sometimes nine if an extra matinee has been added.

“I figured out early though that when I’m actually on stage eight times a week, I need to back off other exercise. The show is intense enough. If I know I’m extra tired I’ll do more work on my core – it’s a bit like when you see a boxer bouncing around the ring, psyching themselves up. Doing particular lifts with my dance partner beforehand helps too.”

DETAILS

The show will be at Dartford’s Orchard Theatre from Thursday, September 1 to Saturday, September 10.

To book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.

The show will also be at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley from Monday, March 6 to Saturday, March 11, 2017. Click here for details.