Prepare to be dazzled because ‘Top Hat’ brings you everything, from fun to romance and adventure to nostalgia.
It’s superbly put together and stunningly executed on stage at the intimate setting of The Mill on Sonning.
This spectacular show starts off in New York with a tap-dancing extravaganza which leaves you moving from side to side in your seat as you simultaneously also beat your own feet on the floor.
It doesn’t take long for the confusion to set in over a case of mistaken identity and then snowball…let the comedy begin.
Jerry Travers (Jonny Labey) is at the centre of it all, the Broadway sensation who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of socialite Dale Tremont (Billie-Kay).
This classic musical is based on the 1935 film of the same name which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and both Jonny and Billie fill those big shoes beautifully.
Horace Hardwick (Paul Kemble) and his wife of three years Madge (Julia J Nagle) also provide some fun caper with extra antics from their butler Bates (Brendan Cull).
It’s set in three locations, starting in Manhattan and then moving across the pond to London and then onto Venice. The set is simple, but that works well for this production which demands all eyes focus on other things like the music and dance.
There are some well-known hits including ‘Puttin’ On The Ritz’ and ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ that just want to make you go up and join the cast on stage.
Every single outfit in its entirety is so glamorous, each one so perfect right down to the finest detail, so the show's costume designer Natalie Titchener deserves a special mention.
‘Top Hat’ is a funny, entertaining feel-good show and it’s a family-friendly show - take the children, I did - awaken their senses and watch them follow the plot with ease.
Venturing out of London to get to The Mill comes with an added bonus with this show - dinner is included in the price of each ticket. The dinner-theatre experience all under one roof makes it unique and gives you the feeling of really having had a night out.
This is the show’s second Christmas run and it’s on until December 30…enjoy!
Review: Sunita Jaswal Photo: Andreas Lambis