Monday 19 January was officially classed as ‘Blue Monday’, considered to be the most depressing day of the year (according to a professor at Cardiff University). 

So what better way to pick yourself up out of the doldrums than with a trip to the theatre?

Top Hat, currently showing at the Lyceum, is the perfect pick-me-up filled with familiar songs, dazzling dance routines, stunning sets and plenty of romance. 

Based on the classic 1935 film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this new production, which has been adapted for the stage by Matthew White and Howard Jacques and directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall, was just what the doctor ordered.

From the opening number – Puttin’ On The Ritz – it was a dazzling delight that definitely upped the feel-good factor. 

Broadway veteran Phillip Attmore shone as lead Jerry Travers with his tap-dancing the star of the show. His performance was only bettered by Lindsay Atherton as love interest Dale Tremont who played the ‘hard-to-get’ part superbly and really wowed with her solo vocal performances. 

Lindsay was actually understudy to usual lead Amara Okereke, one of two changes which also saw Kirsty Sparks step into the shoes of Madge Hardwick.

Top Hat is not just a song and dance though and plenty of comedy was provided, in particular, by James Hume as suffering husband Horace Hardwick, ably supported by James Clyde as his valet Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio as Alberto Beddini.

The Art Deco set, by Peter McKintosh, was simple by striking with one central revolving point switching it from one location to another, whether that was the bedrooms of the Excelsior Hotel in London or the piazzas of Venice.

Irving Berlin’s score is a real crowd-pleaser – you could take your pick from Cheek to Cheek, The Piccolino and Let’s Face the Music and Dance but it was Top Hat, White Tie and Tails that really stood out with a stunning all-male tap routine complete with hats, tails and canes – very 1930s Hollywood.

After over two and a half hours at the Lyceum, my cobwebs were well and truly blown away.

Top Hat is at the Lyceum until 24 January Click here to find out more.