REVIEW: Top Hat at Sunderland Empire
Written by Meena Green on 20th November 2025
Irving Berlin’s Top Hat is at Sunderland Empire from 18 November – 22 November. The show is based on the 1935 classic film with an incredible score including some of Hollywood’s greatest songs, the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore) & ensamble
When Broadway star Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore) arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke), whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth.
Top Hat starts Jerry’s last performance in New York before travelling to do a show in London which is a large tap number to Puttin’ on the Ritz, which set up the feel for the rest of the show. The producer, Horace Hadwick (James Hume) takes Jerry to London for an opening night then to Italy to meet his wife, Madge Hadwick (Sally Ann Triplett) and her friend, Dale who is also there with her designer, Alberto Beddini (Alex Gibson Giorgio). London is also where we meet Bates (James Clyde) who is Mr Hadwick’s valet. Bates and Mr Beddini were the funniest characters, instantly making the audience laugh.
Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore) & ensamble
The show is a tap and jazz production with stunning choreography and a well-rehearsed cast. The main cast and ensemble were synchronised the whole time, which is difficult to achieve with this style of dance and the number of people on stage, all moving in different directions. They were very professional and looked gorgeous, thanks to Kathleen Marshall, the choreographer, Mark Marson, the hair, wig and make-up designer, and Katie Trevorrow, the costume supervisor.
Tim Mitchell and Paul Groothuis, the lighting and sound directors, worked well together to ensure the lights changed colour and intensity with the sound and choreography throughout the show in the most beautiful and sometimes subtle ways.
The story was lovely to watch. It was fun, light and romantic, following Jerry and Dale as they fall in love. It included a well-done miscommunication that managed to be funny and not too unrealistic or annoying. It was also not too drawn out, which was nice, before they find their way back to each other. We also get to watch the married couple Horace and Madge have their own tensions and misunderstandings, and see these cleared up as they fall back in love with each other and grow into a stronger marriage.
Dale Tremont (Amara Okereke) & Jerry Travers (Phillip Attmore)
I grew up watching musicals from the 1950s and earlier, but if you’re unfamiliar with films, musicals, or humour from that time, it might be tricky to follow some of the dialogue and the flow of the show. It is based on a film from 1935 and follows the style of that time period, so it may feel more suited to an older audience for that reason. However, it can still be enjoyed by younger people, and it is a style I love most in musicals.
If you’re ready for a dazzling night filled with tap, jazz, laughs and romance, be sure to get your tickets from ATG Tickets, with prices from £15, as Top Hat is only at Sunderland Empire until 22 November!
