Music & Lyrics: Irving Berlin
Adapted for Stage: Matthew White & Howard Jacques
Director: Kathleen Marshall
Reviewer: Christine Stanton
“Charming Classic“
4 / 5
Based on the 1930s film, Top Hat is a charming classic – dazzling choreography, elegant costumes and the humorous farcical storyline makes for a wonderful revival of this old Hollywood hit.
Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore) is the man of the moment, excitedly about to debut as the lead in a new show produced by his friend Horace Hardwick (James Hume). His late night tap practice allows him to unexpectedly make acquaintance with model Dale Tremont (Lindsay Atherton) who he immediately becomes besotted with. Confused identities, mixed messages, grand gestures of affection and two countries later – will love triumph for the pair or is their relationship doomed to tap out?
Director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall delivers a dazzling display of tap-dancing talent, that completely mesmerises the audience. Both the individual talent from Attmore and Atherton, and the routines featuring the entire cast are impressively synchronised; their sleek, polished movements maintaining a high level of energy throughout. Vocally, the recognisable Irving Berlin songs such as ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ and ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ are brilliantly performed, the charismatic numbers packed with the classic allure of old Hollywood.
The farcical storyline is funny, packed with puns and silly gags – delivered with excellent timing. Sally Ann Triplett as the outspoken, expensive wife is hilarious, with her husband Horace Hardwick (James Hume) is suitably downtrodden and confused, making for some very funny interactions. James Clyde as Bates the butler and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Dale’s designer, also bring some very comedic elements to the production, and even though some are slapstick in nature, it never borders on pantomime-esque. Considering it is Atherton’s debut in the role, she performs wonderfully, with the perfect amount of elegance and poise that is required for Dale. Attmore’s tap skills are captivating, giving Travers a sleek, engaging persona that allows him to shine as the star of the show.
Let’s Face the Music – this show is a charming delight, full of toe-tapping talent. You won’t be able to help smiling Cheek to Cheek by the end of it!
Runs until
RatedReviewed 
A Wonderful Show!! A good old-fashioned, Classic Musical. Whole-Cast singing and tap-dancing. Lovely costumes. And the set-changes between scenes were done swiftly and seamlessly.
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