Review: Top Hat (Norwich Theatre)

Top Hat had everything going for it, as the Chichester Festival Theatre touring production hit Norwich Theatre Royal, but while there were some wonderful performances amid this charming comedy caper, at times it did feel a bit old hat.

Sure, there was some great songs courtesy largely of Irving Berlin's score from the 1935 movie, and the 30s setting also gave rise to some beautiful costumes. But much of the lightweight narrative relies on the chemistry between the two romantic leads, and for whatever reason, it just wasn't there on the night.

While individually, Phillip Attmore oozed that Hollywood dazzle as the tap dancing sensation Jerry Travers and Nicole-Lily Baisden was effervescent as Dale Tremont, but they didn't quite click as a pair particularly when singing together. There certainly was a spark between them at times, but it never quite set the stage alight.

I'll admit, after a fairly tepid first half which seemed more flat cap than top hat, I was feeling a little underwhelmed, but thankfully it all came good in the end.

The company in their 'Top Hat, White Ties & Tails'

For one, the comedy amped up a degree or two, with Emma Williams' Madge Hardwick coming into the action. Though James Hume's comedy stylings as Horace Hardwick were brilliant throughout, when paired with Williams, they were elevated even further. The bickering couple threatened to steal the show with their superb duet Outside of That, I Love You.

Alex Gibson-Giorgio also squeezed as much comedy as possible out of fashion designer Alberto Beddini, and his hilarious solo number Latins Know How was exceptional both vocally and physically.

And the choreography too stepped up a notch in the second half, with The Piccolino giving us a particularly lively start to Act 2. The tap-dancing throughout was especially joyful, and none more so than in the highlight of the first half, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails.

Top Hat continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until 28 March.