HeraldSun
October 25, 2006 12:00am
A STAR-studded audience has turned out for the premiere of West End musical, Dirty Dancing, starring Australian hunk, Josef Brown.
Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, Joanna Lumley, Graham Norton and another Australian, Rolf Harris, were among the crowd who gave the show a standing ovation at London's Aldwych Theatre last night.
Brown and British newcomer, Georgina Rich, play in the lead roles of Johnny and Baby, originally played in the 1987 hit movie of the same name by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.
"Watching it was a joy," said Harris. "I liked the film, but to see it on stage was just amazing. The two leads are real stars."
And said McKellen: "The show was fantastic. I can't make up my mind whether I want to dance like Josef Brown or dance with Josef Brown.
"I confess I've never seen the film, but I definitely will now."
Also in the audience was
British Big Brother winner, Kate Lawler, who said: "I prefer plays to musicals myself.
"However, I did really enjoy it and my mum and sister will love it.
"It's something to take your dad to as well."
The musical has taken a record 11 million in advance ticket sales.