Spring is soon upon us, and alas we’re all need of some feel-good music and dance to celebrate the season. Top Hat The Musical arrives at Norwich Theatre Royal to do just that!
The musical is based off the 1935 classic movie of the same name, and features Irving Berlin’s iconic score. The movie was adapted to stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques, and won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. After having a mighty successful run on the West End, the show is on tour which is directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall.
The story focuses on a romance between Broadway star, Terry Travers (Phillip Atmore), and model, Dale Tremont (Nicole-Lily Baisden). Jerry is from America and has arrived in London to set up a new show, and vows to win over Dale who’s in the hotel room beneath his. There will be bumps in the road however as Dale mistakes Jerry for his producer, Horace (James Hume), who is trying to avoid his formidable wife, Madge (Emma Williams), causing confusion in the group.
This story is somewhat dated, with elements of the romance storyline not working so well in modern contexts perhaps. The show pulls off the humour really well though, with a misunderstanding between our core characters which was well executed, and had me invested as they carried it on for an extended period.
The set consists primarily of a rotating wall at the back for scene changes, which was impressive to watch and made set changes slick. Other pieces of set are brought on which compliment that well. Irving Berlin’s score is as good as ever and fit well with the story. Our audience were toe tapping away!
To compliment the score, the dance numbers are glitzy, flashy, and colourful. The ensemble are giving it their all and clearly revelling in the occasion. There are a lot of very complex tap numbers here, and Kathleen Marshall’s direction and choreography makes great use of the stage.
Hume plays Horace with a lot of dry humour, feeling John Cleese-esque. He has a good relationship with Bates (James Clyde), his assistant, acting like partners in crime. Williams is a standout as Madge, with a hilarious sense of humor and comedic timing, and is a very powerful presence on stage. Alberto (Alex Gibson-Giorgio) is also very eccentric and his confrontations with the rest of the cast, and his solo, tickled the audience!
Atmore portrays Terry with a lot of confidence, with his dancing especially being commendable. He captures the charisma of Terry and his attempts to woo Baisden’s Dale. Speaking of, Baisden portrays Dale with a lot of heart and has some very powerful solos. Her friendship with Madge comes across as if they’ve genuinely known each other for years!
Top Hat The Musical is a fun night out, with plenty of glitz, glamour, and toe-tapping music to make you feel like you’re on the dancefloor yourself. The show is in Norwich from the 24th to 28th March, so book your tickets now!
Chris.
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