'Funny, romantic and beautifully performed – Top Hat is a joy from start to finish' - MyMK

Press night at Milton Keynes Theatre sparkled with the glitz and glamour of the 1930s as Top Hat The Musical took to the stage. This production is an ode to the golden age of Hollywood, filled with dazzling tap routines, sweeping romance, and timeless charm.

Originally a 1935 film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Top Hat became one of the most iconic dance musicals of all time. Its stage adaptation brings Irving Berlin’s music and lyrics to life for a new generation, blending the elegance of ballroom and tap with the wit and romance of a classic screwball comedy.

The story follows Broadway sensation Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore), whose effortless charisma and magnetic tap dancing make him an instant star. While staying in a London hotel, he encounters the glamorous model Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke), sparking an immediate but complicated romance. Dale mistakes Jerry for the husband of her friend Madge, leading to a series of misunderstandings that take the pair across Europe – from stylish hotel suites to a Venetian backdrop brimming with wit, charm, and comic mishaps. Their love story is full of flirtation, near-misses, and big romantic gestures, all underscored by Berlin’s unforgettable score.

The cast bring the characters to life with exceptional flair. Phillip Attmore’s Jerry is all effortless tap and smooth charm, while Amara Okereke shines as Dale Tremont, delivering stunning vocals that capture both the warmth and elegance of Berlin’s music. Her renditions soar across the theatre, showcasing her range and emotional depth, making Dale not only a glamorous leading lady but also a richly layered character. Together, their chemistry sparkles, balancing playful banter with heartfelt moments.

James Hume is a delight as producer Horace Hardwick, his comic exasperation perfectly paired with Sally Ann Triplett’s Madge, who brings glamour and sass to every scene she enters. The interplay between the two provides some of the evening’s funniest moments, their dynamic capturing the larger-than-life eccentricity of the period. Then there’s James Clyde as Bates, Horace’s long-suffering butler, who steals scene after scene with his dry humour and brilliant timing. Bates has the enviable task of slipping on and off stage in a variety of disguises – from cab drivers to clerks – and it quickly becomes a game for the audience to see if you can recognise him each time. His deadpan delivery and casual entrances heighten the comedy, making him one of the standout characters of the show.

And of course, there’s the flamboyant Alberto Beddini, played with comic genius by Alex Gibson-Giorgio. His exaggerated Italian accent, passionate outbursts, and gloriously theatrical mannerisms are delivered with such precision that he becomes a guaranteed show-stealer every time he appears. His larger-than-life presence is the perfect foil to Jerry and Dale’s romance, adding another layer of humour to an already sparkling script.

Under the direction and choreography of Kathleen Marshall, the production is a masterclass in style and sophistication. Each number is beautifully staged, with opulent sets and glittering lighting evoking the elegance of the 1930's. The costumes are equally breathtaking – a parade of gowns, tuxedos, and tailoring that look straight from a Hollywood backlot, shimmering under the stage lights.

The music is another triumph. Even if you think you don’t know Irving Berlin’s songs, you’ll find yourself smiling with recognition as the orchestra launches into classics like Puttin’ on the Ritz, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, and the iconic Top Hat, White Tie and Tails. The arrangements allow the vocals to shine while giving space for the dance numbers to dazzle, and by the interval, more than a few audience members were happily tapping out rhythms in the foyer.

Top Hat The Musical is a delightful evening at the theatre – simple, elegant, beautiful, funny, and at its heart, a story about romance. This glamorous production is not to be missed. Catch it at Milton Keynes Theatre before Saturday 27th!