As soothing jazz music fills the air and the set lights up with what feels like a hundred colours, the quiet anticipation of the audience is palpable. Transporting everyone back to the 1930s, ‘Top Hat’ kicked the theatre season off at the Edinburgh Playhouse on September 30, delivering a night of lighthearted splendour.
‘Top Hat’ is currently on a UK tour, currently playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse between September 30 and October 4 before moving on to Nottingham (Theatre Royal) and Wimbledon (New Wimbledon Theatre), and stopping in Glasgow in February 2026. With Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin, Top Hat is adapted for the stage by Matthew White & Howard Jacques.
The plot is based on the 1935 movie ‘Top Hat’, and follows tap dancing Broadway star Jerry Travers, who arrives in London to perform a show and stays at a lavish hotel. His tap dancing wakes up his “downstairs neighbour”, Dale, whom Jerry becomes enamoured with at first sight. From then on out, the path is not as straightforward for the two lovers, as they face mistaken identities, love triangles, a trip to Italy and plenty of (truly hilarious) spying.
While the plot itself isn’t something unheard of, the production more than makes up for it with a lavish (and clever) set by Peter McKintosh, lighting by Tim Mitchell, Irving Berlin’s music, witty dialogue and, most importantly, memorable costumes by Yvonne Milnes.
It is evident how much hard work went into the costumes, radiating elegance and luxury throughout. From opulent evening dresses (yes, even the grey gown on James Clyde) to Dale’s horse riding attire, each and every single piece of clothing provides fashion lovers joy.
What is more, the set gave the audience a lasting first impression with its myriad of colours, proving to be versatile and practical for changeovers while turning throughout the show.
Phillip Attmore plays Jerry, while Amara Okereke stars as Dale, and Sally Ann Triplett plays Madge Hardwick. James Clyde is playing Bates, and Alex Gibson-Giorgio is starring as Alberto Beddini, while James Hume (Kiss Me Kate) plays Horace Hardwick.
‘Top Hat’ is not just a fun, lighthearted musical – it is a state of mind. Expect a night of laughter, admiration and glamour, leaving you feeling uplifted.
‘Top Hat’ is playing at the Edinburgh Playhouse between September 30 and October 4, and you can get your tickets here. And if you missed it, it is coming to the King’s Theatre in Glasgow between February 3 and 7, 2026.