Top Hat revival taps into timeless charm at Manchester Opera House

Irving Berlin’s iconic musical brings elegance, wit and vintage sparkle to the stage

A cascade of sequins, sweeping gowns and tightly timed tap routines greeted the audience at Manchester Opera House as Top Hat waltzed into town. The touring production of the 1935 musical, based on the beloved Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film, delivers a heady dose of golden-era Hollywood glamour with charm and crisp choreography.

Originally adapted for the stage in 2011, Top Hat has found fresh life in this Chichester Festival Theatre production. Fresh from a summer run, the show blends Art Deco dazzle with modern theatrical verve. The result is a lively crowd-pleaser that pays homage to the original while asserting its own identity.

The plot follows Broadway star Jerry Travers, who causes a stir with his late-night tap routines in a London hotel, unintentionally waking socialite Dale Tremont. A romantic misunderstanding quickly takes hold, complicated further by Jerry’s producer and his flamboyant wife. The story moves to Venice, where the confusion deepens before everything is resolved in typically upbeat musical theatre fashion.

Phillip Attmore impresses as Travers, bringing not only slick footwork but genuine warmth to the role. From the moment he leads the ensemble in Puttin’ on the Ritz, he exudes showmanship. His scenes with Amara Okereke, who plays Dale, are full of spark and charm. Their duet on Let’s Face the Music and Dance was particularly affecting, offering a quieter emotional note amid the high tempo.

Okereke shines in her own right, especially during Better Luck Next Time, where her expressive voice and stillness offer a poignant contrast to the otherwise movement-driven show. She keeps the character grounded, giving Dale a grace and depth that make her more than a romantic foil.

Sally Ann Triplett steals every scene as Madge Hardwick. Her dry delivery and comic instincts brought real energy to the second act. Her duet with Clive Hayward on Outside of That, I Love You drew some of the biggest laughs of the night and proved a highlight of the evening.

Kathleen Marshall’s choreography embraces the film’s legacy while adding a modern stage sensibility. The tap-heavy ensemble numbers are tightly performed, although Top Hat, White Tie and Tails felt slightly under-rehearsed on press night. A few moments lacked the crispness needed to fully land, but Puttin’ on the Ritz more than made up for it with flair and precision.

This production doesn’t reinvent Top Hat, but it doesn’t need to. It offers a well-executed, affectionate take on a classic, filled with joyful performances and just enough tongue-in-cheek wit to keep it light on its feet.

Top Hat continues at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 29 November 2025 and tickets via ATG here; https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/top-hat/opera-house-manchester/