Top Hat – The Musical
Tuesday 17th to Saturday 21st, February, 2026
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
Reviewed by Tony Flood
A wonderful mix of superb music, uplifting lyrics and dazzling tap dancing makes Top Hat one of the great musical comedies.
So no wonder audiences are flocking to the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, to see this exhilarating revival based on the 1935 film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Award-winning actress Amara Okereke and understudy Jordan Oliver gave excellent performances as the romantic leads Dale Tremont and Jerry Travers at the Wednesday matinee I attended, without creating the same chemistry as Astaire and Rogers.
I am told by colleagues that the same applied when they saw Broadway star Phillip Attmore in the lead male role.
But Amara, Phillip and Jordan, together with a talented cast, do full justice to iconic numbers Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie and Tails, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, and Isn’t This a Lovely Day (To Be Caught in the Rain)?
Director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall captures the magic, romance and humour as we are taken to the golden age of 1920 Hollywood glamour.
A couple of the jokes are dated, but otherwise the show is timeless, with the big-chorus tap numbers earning rapturous applause.
The plot revolves around American showbiz star Jerry, who falls head over heels in love with headstrong model Dale despite getting off to a bad start when she complains that he is preventing her sleeping by tap dancing on the floor of the hotel room above hers.
Unfortunately, Dale mistakes bachelor Jerry for the married producer of his London show, Horace Harwick, and believes he is a love cheat.
Horace and his wife Madge are brilliantly played by James Hume and Emma Williams, who milk the laughs with quick-fire jibes scripted by Matthew White and Howard Jacques. Hume and Williams are particularly funny in comical duet Outside of That, I Love You.
Flamboyant Italian fashion designer Alberto Beddini (Alex Gibson-Giorgio) and Horace’s inventive valet Bates (James Clyde) add confusion and fun as Jerry pursues Dale to Venice.
Outstanding support is provided by the ensemble, which includes Lindsay Atherton (first cover for Dale Tremont).
Musical supervisor Gareth Valentine, musical director Luke Holman, set designer Peter McKintosh and costume designers Yvonne Milnes and Peter McKintosh contribute greatly to a scintillating production full of nostalgic charm that makes for a joyous experience.
