Theatre goers may be about to get more drama than they had bargained for, as a protest has been planned ahead of this evening’s opening performance of Dirty Dancing in Wimbledon.

The musical, which will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre in the Broadway at 7.30pm, has been heavily criticised by the Musicians’ Union (MU) for the level of pre-recorded music and lack of live musicians during its current tour.

However, one of the co-producers of Dirty Dancing, Paul Elliott, has insisted that the production is 'a play with music' rather than a musical. 

According to the MU, the show features just five musicians – rather than the usual live band of eight to ten musicians – and makes use of an ‘unauthorised recording’ made outside of the UK.

London regional organiser for the MU, Jo Laverty, said: “Generally, if a producer uses a large amount of pre-recorded music in a show, we would expect them to come to an agreement to pay money to the musicians on the recording for every time it’s used. Otherwise, they are just using a recording instead of supplying jobs for musicians.

“Because the recording wasn’t made in the UK, we don’t know who is on the recording. We don’t know they are getting fair payment.

“We want theatre goers to be informed about what it is they are going to watch.  When we have done this before at other theatres, people really are quite concerned about it.”

She added: “We don’t have any problems with the theatre. It’s a peaceful protest. The issue is with the producers and making sure musicians are recognised for their work.”

Mr Elliott said that just over 40 per cent of the music for Dirty Dancing has been pre-recorded ever since it's first UK production in 2006, and that the production had to be downsized to play on smaller stages during its current tour. He added the production "do not see any problem with using a fully licensed backing track from Italy."

Mr Elliot said: "Dirty Dancing is a play with music; we do not in our own material refer to the production as a "musical" and always request that it is not advertised as such. None of the leading characters sing and the music is used as 'underscoring' so as to reflect the use of music as in the film.

"The MU has threatened action against us if we do not re-record our backing tracks with members of the UK union. I consider that this effectively amounts to 'blackmail'.

"Many other shows have used tracks on tour - and many without employing any live musicians - without their producers suffering any of the current actions of the MU towards Dirty Dancing."

Assistant general secretary for the MU, Horace Trubridge, said: “In a musical, live musicians are a fundamental part of the show; for quality, audience enjoyment and value for money.

“The MU fought for more live music in the current production of Dirty Dancing, but the producer refused and therefore we believe the all-important musical element of the show is compromised.

“Returning fans keen to see this show based on their enjoyment of previous tours may be disappointed to witness the apparent cost-cutting changes that have been made. The MU believes that live theatre should be just that – live.”

Dirty Dancing plays at New Wimbledon Theatre from September 26 to October 1.

The New Wimbledon Theatre owner ATG has been contacted for comment.

Did you go to the performance? Contact the newsdesk on 020 8722 6337 or pippa.allen@newsquest.co.uk and let us know what you thought