Top Hat – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – Review

Produced by Kenny Wax Productions & Jonathan Church Theatre Productions
Dates: 27 – 31 January 2026

Find out more about this production here

The film Top Hat was released in 1935 and starred Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, with songs by Irving Berlin, including “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails”, “Puttin’ On the Ritz” and “Cheek to Cheek”. It is the best known of the Rogers and Astaire collaborations and one of the most iconic musicals of the era. The film was adapted into a musical in 2011, and includes 14 songs by Irving Berlin, six more than the original film.

It tells the story of Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore), an American tap dancer who arrives in London to star in a West End show. There, he meets fashion model Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke) and is immediately taken by her wit and beauty. He attempts to win her affection, but that’s when things start to get complicated. As Jerry’s room is booked under his producer’s name, he is mistaken for Horace, an older married man, causing much high jinks.

The production is directed and choreographed by American director Kathleen Marshall. Phillip Attmore plays the lead, Jerry Travers, and while his dancing is stronger than his vocals, he has enough roguish charm to pull off the role. Amara Okereke plays model Dale Tremont, the object of Jerry’s attention. Amara has a lovely singing voice, rich and smooth. While the play focuses on these two characters, there is a strong ensemble featuring producer Horace Hardwick (James Hume), his wife Madge (Emma Williams), and their servant Bates (played by Connor Hughes on the night of the review), all with considerable involvement in the plot.

The story is frivolous and frothy. The case of mistaken identity leads to considerable confusion, mystification and bamboozlement, but there is no doubt where it will all end up. In plays like these, you’re guaranteed a happy ending! The set-piece dance routines and musical numbers are the real highlight, with the stage filled with colour and movement. Phillip Attmore is remarkably light on his feet and glides across the stage. The tap dancing numbers are towards the start of the production and are the main attraction. Having the music of Irving Berlin creates a wonderful mood, and are evocative of the era. It’s nice to have a perfect piece of escapism at your disposal during these troubled times. A few hours where you can avoid the stresses of daily life and… face the music and dance.