Qulture Magazine

Words: Laura M Ross

Dirty Dancer (in no way affiliated or endorsed by the movie Dirty Dancing or it’s creators) but definitely a homage to it…is playing most nights of the Edinburgh Fringe at Underbelly Cowgate, and if like me, you grew up romanticizing about the cult classic and of course Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and Baby’s (Jennifer Grey) crazily hot summer fling , and everything that went on in the staff quarters, out of hours at Kellerman’s Resort, then this show is for you!
Brought to you by Resolve Productions, Directed by Michael Thomas Walker, and written and performed by Mellisa Firlit, this one woman show is debuting at the Fringe for its World Premiere, and what better place than Underbelly.

Melissa has managed to cleverly tell the story of the hit movie, without it feeling tiresome or boring. From the get go, she takes you straight to the Kellerman Resort and into Johnny Castles arms. With plenty of wit, tongue and cheek and of course audience participation (I watched a man, at least in his late seventies gyrating on stage like he was back in his prime and raring to go), perfect for those wanting to get involved and have a little fun.

I am in awe of anyone that can remember, that many lines and facts while doing multiple costume changes and different character portrayals. Mellisa is clearly a pro and this shows in her dance moves and vocal performance alone….there may even be a little surprise at the end, so make sure you stick around for that! I also need to mention how on point the sound tech was, if there was one…if this was just a recording then well done to Mellisa on her timing!

All in all, I had a great time watching this perfectly put together show and fan dedication to one of my favorite, early teen movies. The music and short acted out scenes took me right back to picking out the movie on VHS from my grandmother’s collection when I stayed at her house, and her making me cover my eyes at almost every scene, telling me I shouldn’t watch this again as it’s too rude for anyone my age (I was 10-11 at the time) oh, the scandal!… She was probably right, but it didn’t stop me going on to watch it another thousand times in my life so far.

I would recommend this one, for all the Dirty Dancing lovers and joy spreaders out there, fun, clever, camp, nostalgic and even factual — you might just learn something you didn’t know about the movie before you came to this show while having a good hoot throughout.

Underbelly Cowgate, Belly Laugh, 5 – 30 Aug 2026 (not 18), 19.25 – 20.25

https://www.instagram.com/dirtydancerparody?igsh=cWhidGR3cWg4aGF0