The countdown is officially on for the opening of the Chichester Festival Theatre Production of Irving Berlin’s Top Hat which comes to Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from 17- 21 February 2026.
The musical equivalent of the finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating – Top Hat is a heady romantic cocktail laced with sparklingly witty dialogue, stunning choreography, lavish sets and gorgeous costumes.
Irving Berlin’s irresistible score includes 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. This is one musical you will not want to miss.
The cast includes Phillip Attmore (So You Think You Can Dance) who reprises his role of Jerry Travers, also returning is Sally Ann Triplett (Cabaret) as Madge Hardwick, James Clyde (Matilda the Musical) as Bates and Alex Gibson-Giorgio (Mamma Mia!) as Alberto Beddini. Amara Okereke (My Fair Lady) joins the cast as Dale Tremont and James Hume (Kiss Me Kate) as Horace Hardwick.
Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out.
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, 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 heart – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns.
Top Hat is produced by Kenny Wax and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.
Book now for Top Hat at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from 17- 21 February 2026, nightly performances at 7.30pm plus three matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday all at 2.30pm, to book see eastbournetheatres.co.uk or call 01323 412000. ENDS
