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 brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords
Large crowd sat in front of the main stage at Tolpuddle. It is a sunny day and there are lots of festival tents.

A Weekend of Music and Solidarity at Tolpuddle 2026

From panel discussions on AI and workers' rights to performances across the festival and a vibrant union procession, the MU played a visible role throughout Tolpuddle 2026, celebrating the power of music, solidarity and collective action.

Published: 23 July 2026

Read more about A Weekend of Music and Solidarity at Tolpuddle 2026