Top Hat Musical revival brings vintage glamour and strong performances to Manchester

A night at Manchester Opera House brings 1930s Hollywood glamour to life with top-class performances and plenty of heart.

A wave of old-school glitz swept into Manchester this week as Top Hat opened at the Opera House. With more tap shoes than most shows could dream of, this revival of Irving Berlin’s 1935 classic manages to blend nostalgia with knockout performances and plenty of subtle humour.

While the film celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, the stage version remains a relatively new addition to the musical theatre canon, having debuted in 2011 and scooped a 2013 Olivier Award. Chichester Festival Theatre’s current touring production, fresh from a successful summer run, brings energy and charm.

The story follows Broadway star Jerry Travers, played by Phillip Attmore, whose late-night tap dancing in a London hotel disturbs the elegant Dale Tremont, played by Amara Okereke. Their chance encounter quickly spirals into romantic mishap, with a case of mistaken identity involving Jerry’s producer Horace Hardwick and his wife Madge sending the pair into a tangled comedy of errors. The action later shifts to Venice, where miscommunications deepen before all is revealed in a satisfying finale.

Attmore is a joy to watch. A Broadway veteran, his dance ability is clear from the opening ensemble number, Puttin’ on the Ritz. He moves with controlled ease and flair, but it’s his genuine joy in performing that makes his portrayal of Jerry so likeable. His chemistry with Okereke is warm and believable, particularly in the tender Let’s Face the Music and Dance.

Okereke is no less impressive. Her rendition of Better Luck Next Time is rich and expressive, offering a moment of stillness amid the tap-heavy score. She balances wit and elegance throughout, capturing the independence and frustration of Dale without ever letting the farce overwhelm the character’s sincerity.

But the standout of the night is Sally Ann Triplett as Madge Hardwick. Triplett is a force of nature, elevating every scene she’s in. Her dry wit, commanding presence and comic precision steal the show, particularly during her duet with Hume on Outside of That, I Love You, which landed as a firm audience favourite.

Kathleen Marshall’s choreography includes several highlights, especially the ensemble tap sequences and elegant duets. Puttin’ on the Ritz remains the high point, bursting with energy and polish. However, not all routines match this standard. Top Hat, White Tie and Tails demands razor-sharp timing, and on press night, the chorus felt slightly out of sync, with some routines lacking the snap needed to really land.

Top Hat continues at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 29 November 2025 and tickets via ATG here; https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/top-hat/opera-house-manchester/