After a slow start, the party warms up in the staff quarters.  It’s a place where the staff can relax and where the rules of the 1950’s can be forgotten as the partying and dancing gets dark and dirty. 

The show gets hotter when Jonny Castle (played by Michael O’Reilly) appears.  Michael has worked hard to develop a body that would well leave Patrick Swayze in the shade, much to the delight of many in the audience, leaving the rest of us feeling like we’ve gate-crashed a hen night!  Michael embraces the iconic dialogue and portrays the smooth too-cool-for-school Jonny, with ease.  His dance is precise, if a little rigid, as is his delivery.   He does have to battle with regular wolf-whistles and catcalls from the audience, however.

It’s not long before Baby finds herself invited to the behind-the-scenes staff party by Billy, Jonny’s cousin, (played by Danny Colligan) the real vocal star of the show – he makes the big numbers sound effortless. The ensemble is worthy of mention with their very physical and energetic dance numbers.  The on-stage band also deserves a mention; they perform as an integral part of the story.