*** 3 Stars
“Stylish but lacks the Wow Factor! “
The RKO motion picture classic “Top Hat” starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers made its debut ninety years ago in 1935 becoming a treasured movie for tap dance the world over. Seventy-six years later in 2011 that Matthew White and Howard Jacques adapted the film for the stage embarking on a UK tour prior to an engagement in London’s west end at the Aldwych Theatre.
It’s that production which the Chichester Festival Theatre have revived for a new UK tour, directed and choregraphed by acclaimed director Kathleen Marshall. It’s a stylish production but really does need more of the wow factor to engage its audience over its admittedly long run time.
Telling the story of American tap dancer Jerry Travers (a polished performance from Phillip Attmore) who arrives in London to star in new show produced by Horace Hardwick (James Hume in fine form) only to fall in love and attempting to woo Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke). What follows is a comedy of errors wrapped up in big Hollywood production numbers featuring 18 songs (four more than the original movie) from the iconic Irving Berlin.
Featuring a 26 strong company of accomplished dancers and actors this show has lashing of style with great performances throughout with special mentions going to leads and none more so than Sally Ann Triplett in the role of Madge Hardwick. Triplett gives a comedy driven tour de force and captures the audience every moment she is on stage. While the company can perform the roles with style there are some accent issues, so we get New York via London and Glasgow which does jar a little. Overall coming in at the three hour mark they show lacks the “wow” moments that are present in more modern musicals that would engage the audience more fully for the duration of the shows run time.
Production wise it’s a visual treat with Peter McKintosh’s set design clearly conveying the golden era of Hollywood film making although there was a technical show stop on press night following a fault with the automation element of the set. Tim Mitchell’s lighting design is lusciously delivered and really makes Yvonne Milnes and Peter McKintosh award winning costume design truly sparkle.
The show is anchored by a terrific eleven-piece pit orchestra conducted by Musical director Stephen Ridley who deliver the beautifully nuanced score with skill. However, Paul Groothuis sound design needs to be cranked up as in a rare example, especially for the Playhouse the sound isn’t loud enough and the balance between musicians and performers needs a little refining.
Top Hat the musical does deliver value for the ticket price and there is an innate charm to seeing a beloved movie classic once again on stages around the United Kingdom. Loaded with stunning tap dancing and wholesome family comedy this is a Top Hat with a little polish that would truly be Top Drawer!
Irving Berlin’s, Top Hat the Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse The production runs until Saturday 4th October for more info go to: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/top-hat/edinburgh-playhouse/
UK Tour continues with the production visiting the King’s Theatre Glasgow from 3rd to 7th February 2026 and His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen from 10th to 14th March 2026.
ScotsGay Arts 