Top Hat, a musical genre from bygone days comes to the New Wimbledon Theatre with style and grace. What is striking from the outset is Peter Mckintosh set designs which spin round and glide on and off stage to create the perfect scenic backdrop for this timeless performance. Together with Yvonne Milnes their costume design was exquisite and transports you right back into the grandeur of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this did not disappoint.
This 1935 crazy comedy with quirky storylines and ‘goofy’ mishaps is reflected very well in this version of Top Hat. A catalogue of mistaken identity, love and romance sees Jerry Travers played by Phillip Attmore shine with his toe tapping dance moves, sublime and joyous to watch. Complimented by Lindsay Atherton as Dale Tremont. In this performance Lindsay (the understudy) replaced Amara Okereke.
This was a show of two halves; in the first act the flow was interrupted by long pauses of silence which felt a little awkward at times and unrefined. As the cast continued it felt there were little moments of awkwardness. Throughout the staging at times did get in the way of the dancing as the actors danced to their best ability avoiding chairs and tables, especially the scene towards the end in Jerry and Dale’s duet, Their May be Trouble Ahead. Possible to think about a larger space to move, removing the table and chairs or alternative staging. This is a classic dance that is worthy of more space and movement. Top Hat is an opportunity to showcase the amazing dancing and connectivity between Travers and Tremont. The storylines are the glue; this was slightly disappointing. Alberto Beddini Alex Gibson-Giorgio gave a twist of Italian mayhem.
Act 2 standout performances came with excitement and laughter from Horace Hardwick James Hume and Sally Ann Triplet as Madge Hardwick, professional and on point. Their duet “Outside of that I love you” was performed true to the original with “outwitting comical exchange”. A welcomed highlight to the show. The lighting was bright and light and a good view from all aspects of the theatre. The audience were smiling and moving along to the classic showtunes which filled the theatre with nostalgia and verve, ‘Top Hat White Tie and Tails’, Chhek to Cheek, Puttin on the Ritz and many more. A singalong for those familiar with the Fred and Ginger classic movie with the accompaniment of a full orchestral sound.
The masterpiece of this show was the choreography, from tap dance ensembles to close ballroom brilliance. Regular theatre goers will recall the artists they’ve seen overtime play Jerry and Dale, and this production comes along way to meeting those expectations. The actors of this wonderous show created an uplifting happy atmosphere with their overall great delivery, leaving audiences wanting more. A true testament to the directorship and performance of all the cast of Top Hat. For me the dancing was the ‘star’ of this show, toe tapping feet all the way to a grand finale of splendour.
Kathleen Marshall provides the artistic brilliance of performance, be prepared to be uplifted and leave humming the tunes leave.
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin. Based on RKO’s Motion Picture & adapted for the stage by Matthew White & Howard Jacques. Directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall.
Running time – 2 hours 30 minutes with a 20-minute interval.
Booking Link https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/top-hat/new-wimbledon-theatre/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed:14th October 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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