A FAN of Dirty Dancing? You're going to have the time of your life when the musical heads to Plymouth next year.

The first tour of the stage version of the much-loved 1987 movie will stop for three weeks at the Theatre Royal.

The hit West End show's run will be from January 22 to February 9 2013.

The announcement of the arrival next year of the record-breaking romantic song and dance fest comes as the Theatre Royal unveils another big musical hit this summer.

Legally Blonde will get Plymouth audiences in the pink from July 24-28.

Dirty Dancing started life as a low-budget musical with two then unknowns, Patrick Swayze as the summer camp dance instructor and Jennifer Grey as the rebellious teen who falls for him.

The film went on to make about £140 million worldwide. (I've Had) The Time Of My Life bagged the Oscar for best original song as the album dominated the long-play charts.

The stage musical was just as big a hit from 2004 in the United States. The West End opening in October 2006 followed the highest pre-sell in London history, earning £6 million. Over one million people have seen the musical in London.

The West End production closed in July 2011 ready for the two-year national tour.

Legally Blonde The Musical is another rarity: a hit film that has also been a huge stage success.

The movie starred Reese Witherspoon as the ditzy homecoming queen who puts herself through a top law college to get her own back when her straight-A boyfriend dumps her for somebody more serious and academic.

The West End stage production bagged the Olivier for Best New Musical.

Also newly announced at the Theatre Royal this summer are an Agatha Christie favourite, Murder on the Nile (June 5-9), and much-loved children's tale The Gruffalo (June 28-July 1).

The latest announcements add to an already strong line-up for summer musicals, including Sister Act and Grease in July and Oliver! from August.

Tickets for the shows go on sale today to corporate members and other special groups including the Friends and the Theatre Royal Applause Club.

On Monday the mailing club, groups and the public get their chance.

Tickets can be purchased from the Theatre Royal box office on 01752 267222, online at www.theatreroyal.com or in person at the box office.