Krista could not wait to return to Milton Keynes Theatre last night (23/09) to see the highly-anticipated Top Hat and here is her full review...
The experience
We had the pleasure of attending the opening performance of Top Hat at Milton Keynes Theatre last night — and what a delightful escape it was.
The theatre itself is the perfect retreat from everyday life. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're welcomed by warm, friendly staff. The venue is modern, well-maintained, and easily accessible.
Before this show, I hadn’t heard of Top Hat, but I’m so glad it made its way to our local stage.
As soon as the curtain rose, we were transported back to the golden age of old Hollywood. The uplifting music, elegant costumes, and dazzling choreography created a nostalgic atmosphere that was simply infectious. Even those who don’t usually enjoy dance would struggle not to tap their toes.
The charm of the 1920s was captured beautifully, and the storyline offered plenty to enjoy beyond the dance numbers. Witty one-liners had the audience laughing throughout, and the plot delivered a perfect mix of romance and comedy.
The entire cast was fantastic and fully engaging. Standout performances came from James Clyde as the delightfully dry Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as the flamboyant Alberto Beddini. And let’s not forget the live orchestra — their performance felt like a warm, nostalgic hug from the very first note.
If you’re looking for an evening of music, love and romance then top hat will certainly deliver this. It will make u laugh with its comedy and have you tapping your toes along with the great choreography and songs that will make you want to “face the music and dance” in the aisles.
The story
Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.
The musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating – Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes. Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her heart – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns.
Acclaimed American director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall stages this brand-new production. A nine-time Tony nominee and three-time winner for her choreography on the Broadway productions of Wonderful Town, The Pajama Game and Anything Goes, her most recent revival of Anything Goes – which played at London’s Barbican, on a UK tour, and was also televised – received nine Olivier Award nominations in 2022 and Kathleen herself received the award for Best Choreographer. She has worked on more than twenty Broadway shows and she is the first woman to have directed a play, directed a musical and choreographed a musical on Broadway.
With Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is adapted for the stage by Matthew White & Howard Jacques. Joining Director and Choreographer Kathleen Marshall on the creative team are Set Designer Peter McKintosh, Costume Designers Yvonne Milnes and Peter McKintosh, Musical Supervisor Gareth Valentine, Musical Director Stephen Ridley, Orchestrator & Arranger Chris Walker, Lighting Designer Tim Mitchell, Sound Designer Paul Groothuis, Casting Director Natalie Gallacher CDG for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting, Associate Director & Choreographer Carol Lee Meadows, Associate Director Cameron Wenn, Associate Set Designer Ben Davies, Associate Lighting Designer Imogen Clarke, Associate Sound Designer Rich Pomeroy, Associate Musical Director Luke Holman and Resident Director & Choreographer Richard Pitt.
The UK and Ireland tour of Top Hat is produced by Kenny Wax and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.
Book your tickets now
Performances: Tue 23 – Sat 27 Sep 2025
Access bookings: 0333 009 5399
Group bookings: 0207 206 1174
Online Booking: ATGTICKETS.COM/MiltonKeynes*
*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge
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