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

A crowd with their hands raised at a music festival.

MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham

Taking place from 7-9 May, FOCUS Wales is an international showcase spotlighting over 250 artists and featuring industry sessions, arts events, film screenings and more. The MU will be hosting a series of coffee morning drop-in sessions, as well as an afternoon mixer event.

Published: 24 February 2026

Read more about MU to Attend FOCUS Wales 2026 in Wrexham
Empty music classroom with seats and sheet stands.

Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks

From 17 February 2026, legislative changes in Northern Ireland allow self-employed musicians working with children and vulnerable adults to apply for an Enhanced AccessNI disclosure check through a registered Umbrella Body.

Published: 23 February 2026

Read more about Changes to Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure Checks