Top Hat at the New Theatre Oxford Review
Top Hat
New Theatre, Oxford
29 January to 7 February 2015
Reviewed by Lucy Ibbotson
Top Hat, a sparkling dance and song show set in the opulent 1930s. The story of a famous song and dance celebrity, a society girl, mistaken identity and comedy set to some of the most well-known songs of its time, including the famous Top Hat. Combine this wonderful plot with some genuinely funny characters and sub characters, every scene was a joy to watch.
This was the opening night and the audience were alive with optimism and excitement which was well deserved. The characters positively fizzed with energy and enthusiasm. With gentle humour throughout and some breath-taking dance routines. The tap dancing especially was jaw dropping and with costumes looking the part and stunning scenery, we were treated to a true West End experience. Opening nights are sometimes very mixed with stage mistakes, lines missed but in this instance we enjoyed a flawless performance from the whole cast. Nothing was missed or slipped. This was a very professional cast who delivered a performance worthy of any stage. We were all captivated! One character in particular made us all laugh with character and costume changes and with a lovely little twist really added to the fun.
The story of a famous singer / dancer is played out beautifully. Our main man, a confirmed bachelor style gent meets and falls in love with a very opinionated girl in the room below his employer’s hotel room. She is awoken by his tap dancing and singing below. He is mistaken by the girl for his married employer and a good old fashioned farce ensues.
His employer has employed the main man to star in a new musical in London and is desperate to keep it under wraps. With scenes and locations shifting from the glamour of New York to the elegance of London then finally ending up in the beauty of the Italian coast.
In short an amazingly fun and musical night out with some commensurate professional performers delivering a sparkling Top Quality Top Hat!!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £19.90 to £53.40 (plus £4 transaction fee).
Top Hat is at the New Theatre in Oxford until 7 February 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3020.
New Theatre Oxford, George Street, Oxford, OX1 2AG | 0844 871 3020
