Nottingham Theatre Royal – until Saturday 11 October 2025
Reviewed by Louise Ford
4****
Toe tapping delight.
The 1935 movie, Top Hat, starring two of the greatest dancers of all times Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers has been faithfully adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques. It is just what we need an easy on the eye show, with froth, sequins and gorgeous dance numbers. The original songs, by Irving Berlin, from the film have been expanded to include others from Berlin’s vast repertoire, all the old favourites; Puttin on the Ritz, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Cheek to Cheek…the list is endless. The music was further enhanced by the live orchestra who were clearly having a ball!
The superb choreography is by Kathleen Marshall. Whilst at times the stage seems a bit too small for the big ensemble numbers, the energy and smiles of the ensemble more than make up for the limited space. The top tap award goes to Phillip Attmore as Jerry Travers who is on stage for nearly all of the performance and has to live up to the “greatest dancer on Broadway “, strap line.
In essence the story is one of mistaken identity. It follows the rise of Jerry from the US to London and finally to Venezia. Jerry the eternal bachelor, is dancing and singing his way across the globe when he falls for Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke). Dale is an independent fashion model who is the talk of the town with her stunning outfits designed by Alberto Beddini (Alex Gibson-Giorgio). Alberto is a very nattily dressed Italian with an interesting line in underwear!
The straight man in the story is Horace Hardwick (James Holme), the nervous entrepreneur who is married to Madge (Sally Ann Triplett). There are some very funny one-liners in the story, some may be of their time (foreigners mispronouncing words ), but the to and fro between Madge and, well anyone, is very sharp and funny! The other comedy performance is by Bates (James Clyde), the Hardwick’s butler.
The stand out performance for me was the glorious stage. The set design is by Peter Mckintosh, it moves seamlessly from hotel rooms, to bars to aircraft and back again. The rich colours and design really capture the mood of the 1930s. The lighting is by Tim Mitchell.
So put on your top hat, tie up your white tie and brush off your tails as you head on down to the theatre for a glorious show!