Top Hat
Chichester Festival Theatre
until Saturday 6th September
Multi-award-winning Director/Choreographer Kathleen Marshall has crossed the Atlantic to bring her revival of the musical Top Hat to Chichester Festival Theatre. From the very beginning the show ignites, brimming with vibrant energy and the iconic tap dancing that defines it. It features the timeless music and lyrics of Irving Berlin which includes such unforgettable numbers as Puttin On The Ritz, Top Hat, White Tie and Tails and Let’s Face the Music and Dance.
Set against the backdrop of the 1930’s the narrative follows Jerry Travers, star of Horace Hardwick’s show, from his last night’s performance in New York to the imminent opening in England. However, on arriving in London Jerry is immediately captivated by Dale Tremont and over a period of just three days turmoil unfolds with a humorous case of mistaken identity and a whirlwind trip to Venice. Can the course of true love triumph…..?
An incredibly stylishly lit backdrop and revolving stage seamlessly transition into luxurious hotel bedrooms, the hotel foyer and bar area while the slick ensemble expertly manoeuvre the various pieces of furniture on and off the stage. Frequent costume changes from classic black and white through to candy colours ensure a visual treat for the eye.
Marshall’s choreography is superb and the company positively dazzle with their dancing but in particular with the show-stopping routine to Top Hat, White Tie and Tails which closes the first half of the show. The main cast deliver outstanding performances from James Clyde’s portrayal of the valet Bates to the charming and flamboyant Italian Alberto Bedinni from Alex Gibson-Georgia. Both Sally Ann Triplett and Clive Carter as Madge and Horace Hardwick bring great comic timing to their roles. The enchanting Lucy St Louis, making her Chichester debut, sparkles as Dale Tremont and the chemistry is mesmerising between her and the incredible dancer Phillip Attmore in the romantic lead of Jerry Travers.
An immensely impressive production based on the 1935 film of the same name that combines romance, humour, dancing and memorable music and in this case all the more so from an unfortunate start when several dancers fell right at the start of the show, which then had to be temporarily paused, while the stage floor was mopped and made safe!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Jill Lawrie