From the first orchestral note, the audience was captivated.

As a Top Hat medley was introduced to the packed theatre, a night of flawless vocals, energetic dance numbers, consistent laughs and a warming, central love story was promised at Bristol's Hippodrome.

Hollywood’s golden age was brought to life as the audience were introduced to the tap-dancing shoes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the lead roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont, played by the excellent Alan Burkitt and Charlotte Gooch. 

As Jerry attempts to win Dale’s heart by dancing his way from New York to Venice, claiming her to be the ‘girl of his dreams’, the love story is elaborated as plots intertwine and lovable characters are welcomed warmly by the audience.

With over two and a half hours of numerous energetic dance numbers to many of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits, the entire casts' talents were showcased through the top-hat-trick of dance, drama and voice.

The talented Bill Deamer showcased his amazing choreography, particularly in fast-moving tap-dance scenes where all eyes were fixed on the stage.

The production gained a loud and satisfied reception throughout, with laughter erupting particularly in the second half where the narrative elaborated and the plot thickened. It did not rely heavily on theatrical slapstick humour, but with hilarious, witty one-liners, in particular by character Horace Hardwick, played by Clive Hayward, and his dysfunctional relationship with wife Madge Hardwick, played by Rebecca Thornhill.

Unforgettable scenes were performed by Italian Alberto Beddini, played by Sebastien Torkia, with his confusion and misuse of english dialect and flamboyant persona.

Top Hat was visually enchanting with slick scene changes throughout, from glamorous New York hotel rooms to a sunny outdoor Venice.

There was particular appreciation for the casting of shadows onto the stage's background for effect on several scenes, where the flawness tap-dance routines were highlighted.

The multiple costumes (over 200 during the course of the night) epitomised the glamour of the 1930s era, bringing the story and the stage to life through distinctive hairstyles, glittering ball gowns and male performers in elegant long-tailed suits and, of course, top hats. The costume designs by Jon Morrell reflected attention to detail and brought envy ofto the fashion of the era.

Characters were seemingly cast to perfection, such as the hilarious Bates, played by John Conroy, who amused the audience through several terrible disguises throughout. Performed by a cast of 29 and accompanied by 11 live musicians, immense musical talent was showcased through solo performances, duets and extragavent musical ensembles.

Duet 'Outside of that, I love you', performed by Clive Hayward and Rebecca Thornhill had a particularly good response with its humorous and endearing lyrics.

Bigger musical numbers 'Puttin' on the Ritz', 'I'm putting all my eggs in one basket', and of course, 'Top hat, white ties and tails' left the majority of the audience tapping their feet.

It is no surprise that the musical is the winner of three Olivier Awards, for ‘Best New Musical’, ‘Best Choreography’, ‘Best Costume Design’ from its seven nominations and winner of the Evening Standard Award for ‘Best Night Out’. Top Hat has been nominated for four Academy Awards and was the most successful picture of the nine movies Astaire and Rogers made together. 

Top Hat is a hilarious and unmissable romantic comedy. With top performers and top hats galore, the musical feast of Top Hat was truly a top night for all.