skip to main content

Upcoming Dirty Dancing Protests in the Midlands

Join MU members demonstrating in support of live music prior to performances of Dirty Dancing in Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton. Keep music live!

Published: 24 October 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

Join members of the Musicians’ Union (MU) demonstrating in support of live music prior to performances of Dirty Dancing in Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton.

You may be aware that there is an on-going issue with the Dirty Dancing touring show.

An unauthorised recording, made outside of the UK, is being used in this show instead of the live band of ten or eight musicians used in previous productions. This show features only five actor-musicians and, whilst there is some live music, the majority of what is heard 'out front' is a pre-recorded soundtrack.

This is not clear to the audience, who might expect the music in a theatre production to be played live. Despite this scaled-back production, ticket prices remain comparable with all previous tours of Dirty Dancing.

The Union’s had a presence at every theatre on the tour so far. Please join MU members and your Midlands team in Northampton, Stoke-on-Trent or Wolverhampton.

  • Northampton: Royal & Derngate, from 6pm on Monday 31 October
  • Stoke-on-Trent: Regent Theatre, from 6pm on Monday 7 November
  • Wolverhampton: The Grand Theatre, from 6pm on Monday 28 November.

Please let us know if you are interested in coming by emailing midlands@theMU.org or by calling us on 0121 236 4028.

Can’t make it on the day? Tweet your support using the hashtags #DirtyDancing and #KeepMusicLive.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance