Top Hat is a musical based on the 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film. It tells of Jerry Travers, a dancer on Broadway who comes to London for his debut. A late night tap dancing session in his producers room disturbs Dale Tremont, the guest who is staying in the room below him and from then on there is numerous cases of mistaken identity as Jerry Travers pursuit of Dale Tremont takes him to Europe.

The show is one which comes alive when the dance starts, the story is funny enough but does feel slightly repetitive when time after time Dale gets Jerrys identity confused and you begin to will them to resolve the matter and it quickly becomes obvious how it will resolve- its just a matter of when. However the dancing makes up for the repetitive storyline. Kathleen Marshall’s choreography is consistently beautiful and in particular the numbers between Jerry and Dale really shine as they glide across the stage together.

Our leading couple were played by Phillip Atmore and Jerry Travers and Lindsay Atherton as Dale Tremont. They were both triple threats with Atherton just as comfortable belting out numbers as she was being lifted by Phillip Atmore. Atmore had charisma in abundance, which is a necessity for Jerry in order to believe his stardom and his tap dancing was filled with flair.

The supporting cast was equally as strong and at points Sally Ann Triplett as Madge Hardwick threatens to steal the show with her comedy timing and whilst she doesn’t appear until Act 2 she more than made her mark when she did appear. Her partner in crime was James Hume as Horace Hardwick who was incredibly enjoyable as both the but of Jerrys jokes as well as his wife’s. Talking of comedy James Clyde as Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Alberto Beddini certainty knew how to scene steal in the best way possible!

Many people who go to see the show may be surprised about how much of the music they may actually know. Songs include ‘Let’s Face The Music and Dance,’ ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and many more. Often the singing can be overlooked in big dance shows but this was not the case in this production.

The set designed by Philip McKintosh was impressive for a tour set. I loved the partial revolve which really came into its own when it switched between Dale and Jerry’s hotel rooms during Dale’s tap dancing but it also ensured that the action kept flowing. The aesthetic of the show was further enhanced by the costumes designed by Yvonne Milnes and Pete McKintosh and I must mention Dale Tremont’s while ballgown which moved beautifully when she danced and enhanced the chorography. The costumes also worn by the ensemble were stunning, from matching bell boy and maids dresses to show girl dresses filled with feathers.

Top Hat is a musical that brings old school glamour and charm back to the stage, for those that are swayed by strictly on a Saturday night then this brings the ballroom to the stage and a wonderful opportunity to experience it live, performed by an incredibly talented cast.

Top Hat is running at New Wimbledon Theatre until 18th October and it then continues its tour. You can find out more here.

If you like this review you might also like my reviews of Moulin Rouge, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked.