Top Hat - The Musical is a theatre production of Irving Berlin's 1935 film, which includes glitzy classics ‘Putting on the Ritz’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’, starring the silver screen dance legends Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. This Chichester Festival Theatre production has been adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques.
The set is designed by Peter McKintosh and focuses on a revolving semi-circular Art Deco pediment. The multifunctional centrepiece communicates the decadence of the era whilst enabling a change of scenery with a smooth 180 ° rotation. At no point during the performance do you feel you are anywhere other than the 1930’s. It was the perfect stage for the production. Furthermore, the same can be said for the costumes, again designed by McKintosh alongside Yvonne Milner, which double down on the style of that decade. The band, conducted by Luke Holman provide a spectacular musical accompaniment to complement the feel of this production.
Phillip Attmore and Lyndsey Atherton wore the aspirational, if daunting, dance shoes of Fred and Ginger in the roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont. James Hume and Kirsty Sparks struck up the perfect chemistry as the love/hate married couple, Horace and Madge. Hume’s comedy delivery was particularly good as he landed many timeless lines about life and, in particular, marriage. Equally as funny was his right-hand man, Bates, played by James Clyde, with the two forming a solid punchline partnership. Alex Gibson-Giorgio completed the main acting as the hapless Italian dress designer Alberto Beddini and his malapropisms. The main actors hit all the right notes and were backed up faultlessly by the ensemble cast.
The story stays true to the film and is a farcical story of mistaken identity, misunderstandings, love, romance and marriage. It has all the typical characteristics of 1930s comedies. The dialogue and jokes in particular reflect that age and are delivered in a witty and quick-fire manner. Many of the one-liners are still fresh, clever and appropriate. Although often considered a series of whimsical links to the song and dance routines, I enjoyed the storyline and laughed at most of the well-delivered quips. I particularly enjoyed the performance of ‘Outside of That, I Hate You,’ which made sense of Horace and Madge’s unlikely relationship.
This production is a splendid theatrical production of a spectacular, well-known musical. The costumes, stage setting, musical accompaniment and choreography highlight the glamour and sophistication of the 1930’s. The cast was excellent in all aspects of their performances, whether it be the dance, singing, or dialogue and had a great onstage connection with each other.
Top Hat – The Musical will appeal to new audiences as well as those nostalgic for the old school screwball comedies of yesteryear. With the incredible musical score, slick choreography, quick-fire gags and romantic storyline, there is something for everyone.
Top Hat – Top night.
Production run (The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield): Tuesday 20th January – Saturday 24th January 2026.
Running Time: around 2 ½ Hours, including an interval.
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/top-hat-musical/dates
Reviewer: Matthew Burgin
On: 21st January 2026
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