Review: Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre

Top Hat
Aldwych Theatre
Performance: Thursday 18th October 2012

Jerry Travers, the famous American tap dancer, arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont, the girl of his dreams, and follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart. Performed by a cast of 31 and accompanied by a live band of 15, this new musical comedy includes Irving Berlin classics from the original movie. A further ten numbers have been interpolated from Berlin’s 1200 strong back catalogue.

Top Hat brings back some good old fashioned magic to the West End. The huge sets are terrific, the costumes are dazzling and the dancing is spectacular. 

It took me a while to get into Top Hat, the first half dragged on a bit. While it was good I felt the show was missing that extra spark. However I loved the second half, the jokes didn't stop coming and had the audience in stitches of laughter.

Tom Chambers is perfectly cast as Jerry Travers. He plays the part perfectly. I found it refreshing to listen to his voice as it isn't loud and overpowering, it was smooth and endearing. His comic timing was great and he is an amazing dancer. Summer Strallen is simply a stunning performer. It seems there is nothing she cannot do. She is fierce as Dale Tremont and has good chemistry with Tom Chambers. 

The rest of the principle cast were all strong character actors. Martin Ball makes an excellent Horace Hardwick, ex-Galileo Richard Afonso was ridiculously hilarious as Alberto Beddini and finally there are no words to describe Stephen Boswell's portrayal of Bates. He had the entire audience in stitches each time he walked on stage.

Top Hat is an excellent good old fashioned, fun, British musical comedy and I would urge you to make a trip to the Aldwych Theatre to see it for yourself.

Photo Credit: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

Ticket Info

Website: www.tophatonstage.com

Box Office: 0844 847 1712

Ticket prices: £20 - £65 concessions available

Performances: Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm

Booking to 28th September 2013
Address: Aldwych Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

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