Top Hat The Musical, UK Tour (2026) Review
Written by Charis for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Chichester Festival Theatre’s touring production of Irving Berlin’s joyful classic ‘Top Hat’ showcased the elegant high society elements of the 1930’s excellently across three countries and a large number of clever set changes. Directed by Kathleen Marshall, adapted by Matthew White and Howard Jones. Showcasing a classic theatre storyline of mistaken identity, full of character, song, and dance.
The best thing about the piece by far was the elaborate, cleverly designed set. Every scene felt like it took place in that city, from New York to London to Venice or locations such as a bedroom, theatre, aeroplane, front desk, or café. Peter McKintosh did an outstanding job creating the large, elegant rotating set pieces. Tim Mitchell’s lighting design further enhanced the production’s overall appeal. The colours were carefully selected for each scene, and the lighting shifted in synchronisation with the music and stage action, creating a cohesive and dynamic visual atmosphere.
Costumes by Yvonne Milnes and Peter McKintosh were incredibly well researched and designed, making the audience feel that they had truly stepped into the 1930’s. Every costume was equally impressive, fitting each character and scenario well. The 1930’s is an elegant and classic era that certainly came across.
The plot of Top Hat follows American Broadway star Jerry Travers to London and later to Venice, where he falls for fashion model and high society lady Dale Tremont, who mistakenly believes him to be her friend’s husband. The resulting misunderstandings and complications fit the classic mistaken-identity genre. Despite this being anything but new, it did not feel overdone, and Kathleen Marshall’s direction ensured nothing felt repetitive or stale.
Phillip Attmore as Jerry Travers showcased an impressive tap-dancing ability. Amara Okereke brings depth and layers to Dale Treemont, and her signing ability is simply sensational.
The interactions between Phillip Attmore as Jerry Travers and Amara Okereke as Dale Treemont were fascinating to watch; the pair seemed to bounce off each other well to meet the themes of every acted scene. However, the particular emotion of the second act felt dampened by the focus on the more technical and performative singing and dancing numbers.
Overall, Okereke portrays Treemont with excellent and biting wit, but Attmore matches her with sarcasm and charisma that make their infatuation feel more realised, and Emma Williams acting as Madge Hardwick exacerbates the perfect storm of confusion already in place to make their conflict feel authentic.
James Hume and Emma Williams paired well together as Horace Hardwick and Madge Hardwick. Their rendition of “Outside of That, I Love You” is possibly the best piece in the whole performance; they really sold the idea of a couple who had been together for five years.
Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Alberto Beddini showcases a well-suited stereotypical Italian lover, hot tempered, over-the-top individual, pursuing the pretty woman but ultimately more interested in deigning fashion than romantic endeavours.
James Clyde as Bates was one of the standout elements of the show. He brought a strong sense of comedy that greatly enhanced the overall piece, even during moments when the plot became a little confusing. Every entrance, exit, and moment he spent on stage was delivered with confidence and precision, making his performance consistently engaging.
The entire ensemble cast performed brilliantly; often, their skill shone enough to steal away attention. Their dancing, singing, and interactions were incredibly skilful. Whether as background dancers for Travers, hotel staff, or as Venetians, their work truly made the piece feel alive; their casual interactions truly created a sense of a world that was real. The degree of talent in this performance, as well as the genuine sense of joy from the actors, made it a pleasure to watch.
Every single element of the piece fits together incredibly well and leads to a historic experience for the audience.
Top Hat will be playing at the Hippodrome Theatre until 7th March.
★★★★
