The all-singing, all-dancing hit musical Top Hat is set to spin into Leeds next week bringing the glitz and glamour of 1930s Hollywood and the tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to stage of The Grand Theatre.
Packed full of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits including Cheek to Cheek, White Tie & Tails, Let’s Face the Music & Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz and of course Top Hat, it tells the story of Broadway sensation Jerry Travers (Alan Burkitt) who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont (Charlotte Gooch last seen in Leeds as Penny in Dirty Dancing).
The original film premiered at the Radio City Music Hall in 1935 where it broke all box office records. Within a few weeks, all five songs from the film occupied the top five places on the American Hit Parade. It was nominated for four Academy Awards and was the most successful picture of the nine movies Astaire and Rogers made together. Top Hat is still widely regarded as one of the greatest dance musicals of all time.
“Top Hat is an uplifting romantic comedy celebrating 1930s song, style and romance” says Ian Sime General Manager at Leeds Grand Theatre. “With over 200 beautiful costumes, breath-taking dance and a love story that will set the pulse racing we’re sure the Yorkshire audiences will love this very special Christmas treat.”
From its seven nominations this stage version won three Olivier Awards – Best New Musical, Best Choreography, Best Costume Design – along with the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.
Performed by a cast of 29 and accompanied by 11 live musicians, this multi award-winning musical comedy includes Irving Berlin classics from the movie such as Cheek to Cheek, Isn’t It a Lovely Day to be Caught in the Rain and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails. In addition, from Berlin’s 1200 strong back catalogue, a further ten numbers have been interpolated including well-loved favourites Let’s Face the Music and Dance and Puttin’ On the Ritz.
Top Hat is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 23rd December to Sunday 11th January. Tickets are on sale now priced from £22 to £47. Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call The Grand Theatre Box Office on 0844 848 2700.
