Martin Harvey and Leanne Rowe To Have Times Of Their Lives

Royal Ballet veteran, Martin Harvey, is to join the cast of Dirty Dancing in a leading role from 29th September 2008. The phenomenal dancer is to take the role of 'Johnny Castle', a roguish dance instructor from the wrong side of the tracks. Appearing alongside Harvey in the role of 'Baby' will be Leanne Rowe, a talented newcomer to the West End.

Harvey has danced challenging roles for the Royal Ballet, including 'Mercutio' in Romeo and Juliet. He has has also danced in Sleeping Beauty, Anastasia and joined the Royal Ballet on several tours. Rowe has appeared in several television dramas including the BBC's Lilies. She also appeared in the 2005, Roman Polanski version of Oliver.

Harvey was delighted to join the cast of Dirty Dancing, and has reportedly said that he has aspired to take a leading role in the West End for a long time. He also described the character of Johnny Castle as "iconic" and "inspirational". Rowe, who will be playing 'Baby', the sweet-natured girl who becomes romantically involved with Harvey's character, was equally thrilled to be joining the cast of Dirty Dancing, saying; “I am absolutely delighted to be making my West End debut playing 'Baby' in Dirty Dancing, one of my all time favourite films.”

Since it opened in 2006, Dirty Dancing has fast become a West End favourite. It has already been seen by over one million people and has developed a cult following. Earlier this year, fans of the show carried watermelons to the Aldwych theatre on 'national watermelon day' in exchange for free tickets.

Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage is currently booking until June 2009 at the Aldwych Theatre.