Review: Top Hat The Musical at Lyceum Sheffield

“…you won’t be disappointed…”

Top Hat The Musical by Irving Berlin adapted by Matthew White and Howard Jacques, Lyceum Sheffield

By Sophie Dodworth

Let’s ‘Face the Music and Dance’ as The Lyceum theatre is plastered with lights, sparkle and glam for the week, as it welcomes the wonderful musical that is Top Hat. With expectations high from theatre attendees, due to the classic film’s success and spectacular reputation, the audience is excited and raring to go.

Top Hat, the movie, was released in 1935, starring the well-renowned superstars of its time, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Rogers and Astaire catapulted the movie into being a solid classic. It takes you on a romantic and glamorous journey alongside American dancer Jerry Travers, arriving in London. He falls instantly for the elegant Dale Tremont – only to be hilariously mistaken for her friend Madge’s husband Horace. What follows is a whirlwind of misunderstandings, flirtations and fast-paced farce that sweeps from London to Venice.

The set is pleasing to the eye with its well-chosen props and detail straight from the 1930s. The huge backdrop features Big Ben while in London and scenic Venice while there. Big Ben plays an integral part in setting the scene and is handy for ease of scene changes with its revolving clock face, enabling there to be no lengthy dimmed lights as the new scene is just ready and waiting to enter!

The musical numbers are so well-known that even if you have never seen the film, you will have surely heard one of them. Including ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’, ‘Cheek to Cheek’ and ‘I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket’, they are all included and true to the classic score, which is really welcomed.

A huge moment is needed for the leading man and tap dancer extraordinaire Phillip Attmore playing Jerry. He delivers a performance that is as charismatic as it is technically breathtaking. His dancing is simply astonishing. He moves like liquid across the stage, each step and twist of his body flowing effortlessly into the next. Add to this his radiant smile and irresistible stage presence and you have the ultimate performer. Attmore doesn’t just play the role of Jerry, he embodies it. Playing opposite him is the wonderful Amara Okereke, she has the most perfect voice, so sweet and powerful and plays her role of Dale without fault. She really blows you away with her vocals during her solo moment of ‘Better Luck Next Time’. Horace played by James Hume gets so many laughs from the audience in his comical role. Hats off to Hume for the well-executed comedic timing. Bringing more of the comedy is Alex Gibson-Giorgio in his role of Alberto Beddini. He has a solo ‘Latins Know How’ and the rapturous laughter from the auditorium is infectious.

The cast and production team use the fantastic soundtrack and extremely talented cast to produce some exceptional moments during this touring show. There are many group and solo numbers that need a mention. There is some amazing work tap dancing in a rotating line, during the number ‘Top Hat, White Tie and Tails’. The opening tap sequence in the bedroom from Attmore can’t go unmentioned either. Well-placed at the start of the show to grab your attention and really sets the scene for the wonderful dancing you are about to witness throughout.

You can certainly put ‘all your eggs’ in this basket because, if you are relying on this to entertain, swoon and leave you hungry for more, you won’t be disappointed.

Top Hat The Musical plays at Lyceum Sheffield until Saturday 24 January. Tickets are available here.

Sophie Dodworth is an experienced theatre reviewer. Prior to joining NAR she has written reviews for multiple review sites including The Reviews Hub, and sees reviewing as a lovely break from being a busy mum. Sophie has herself tread the boards, working full time as a professional singer many years ago and more recently in amateur productions.