Irving Berlin’s Top Hat may have only been adapted for the stage a little over a decade ago but this latest production has all the hallmarks of a golden age musical revival.
In recent years, fans of the classic musical have been spoilt for choice; we have been treated to Imelda Staunton in Hello, Dolly!, a truly stunning revival of the Gershwin jukebox Crazy For You and Cole Porter’s iconic Anything Goes.
This latest take on Top Hat may not quite reach the same dizzying heights, in part due to a somewhat loose narrative, but it is charming, spellbinding escapism in its own fashion.
Berlin’s musical, adapted in 2011 based on the 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie, is a typical story of love, glamour and mistaken identity. The plot follows the attempts of tap dancer Jerry Travers (played by Phillip Attmore) to win the affections of Dale Tremont (Lindsay Atherton). As is often the case with shows of this era, there are also numerous dance breaks and joyous tap numbers.
It is worth mentioning that this particular press night performance was Atherton’s debut in the role of Dale, in the absence of principal lead Amara Okereke - not that the audience would have known. Atherton was sparky, witty and the perfect foil for Attmore as Jerry, who himself was endearing and affable. Kathleen Marshall’s choreography certainly gave the duo plenty to work with.
But, like any good golden age musical, this is very much an ensemble piece. James Hume impressed as British theatre producer Horace Hardwick, none more so than in scenes opposite the hilariously dry-witted Sally Ann Triplett, playing his wife Madge. A particular highlight being the pair’s duet ‘Outside of That, I Love You’, which came towards the end of the show.
James Clyde as Hardwick’s valet Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Italian fashion designer Alberto Beddini are also worthy of praise for their scene-stealing comic performances, while Peter McIntosh’s set design made the most of the varied locations - New York, London and Venice - to set the tone for a classy evening.
Ultimately, Top Hat doesn’t carry the same musical theatre clout as some of its contemporaries; the plot is weak - but that is not what you come to see a show like this for. This production is a lot of fun, with a slew of dancing talent on display, and harks back to a time which perhaps never existed but makes for rose-tinted viewing nevertheless.
Top Hat is playing at New Wimbledon Theatre until 18th October before embarking on a national tour. For ticket information, see here.
Review: Tom Ambrose Photos: Johan Persson