“Top Hat”
My Theatre Confidences 🤫
“Top Hat”
Southbank Centre until 17 January
This show is pure old-school joy. A glossy Art Deco dream of tuxedos, flowing gowns, hotel ballrooms and that unmistakable golden-age Hollywood glow. It’s nostalgic in the best way, and totally committed to its own fantasy.
Let’s be honest: the plot barely matters. Mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings, a paper-thin narrative stitched together just enough to move us from one dance number to the next.
Because babes, the tap is electrifying. I could literally feel it in my body, probably my mirror neurons going wild in response to the sheer physicality of this fabulous ensemble. Tap dance is all about rhythm, clarity and control, and here the dancers genuinely make music with their bodies.
This show knows exactly what it is: a vehicle for dance, charm and feel-good spectacle.
Shout-out to the two leads, Phillip Attmore as Jerry and Amara Okereke as Dale; not just for their brilliant technical precision, but for the charisma and stage presence they bring, carried with real, lavish elegance.
A quick note on my reflections on the shows I see:
Let’s be clear: you won’t find the typical “review” on my page. I don’t buy into the so-called objectivity of mainstream theatre criticism; it’s outdated and protects toxic power structures while sidelining marginalised voices.
I’m not objective, and I’m proud of it. I’ve got my own lenses. My reflections are personal, shaped by my lived experiences and values. I share what moved me, what challenged me, and what’s worth talking about; not ticking boxes or handing out stars.
And no, I’m not going to describe the whole plot or list every onstage moment; I find that mind-numbingly boring, both to write and to read.
Giuliano x
My Way of Looking at Theatre
You know, the more I think about it, the clearer it becomes that traditional theatre criticism has often been a tool for maintaining existing power structures.
It’s time to drop the privileged fancy talk around theatre and break free from star ratings.
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