In a world filled with conflict and confusion, it seems almost impossible that little pockets of charm such as Top Hat survive. Created in an arguably simpler time, this fun tale of mistaken identity started life as a cinematic blockbuster in 1935. And while it’s hard to imagine anyone cutting a rug with quite the same dash as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, this exuberant cast gives it a go.

Shaped around several of Irving Berlin’s most famous songs, including ‘Let’s Face The Music And Dance’, ‘Puttin’ On The Ritz’ and ‘Cheek To Cheek’, the storyline cries out for sharp comic timing, and all the lead actors oblige. Visiting London to make his West End debut, Broadway star Jerry Travers falls for Dale Tremont, the woman staying in the hotel room below him. But through a series of misunderstandings, she thinks he’s theatrical impresario Horace Hardwick, husband to Dale’s close friend Marge. It takes the entire show for these two lovebirds to untangle that mess, with comings and goings reminiscent of a French farce. 

Berlin’s songs are as delightful today as when they first hit the silver screen almost a century ago. Performed with gusto by a 16-strong ensemble (all dressed to the nines), each musical number takes us back to the golden era of Hollywood musicals, when tap dancing was the only game in town. Audiences raised on high drama, cliffhangers and plot twists may find Top Hat’s merry delicacy lacking in punch. But there’s no shortage of wit in the hands of these superb actors, including James Clyde (who threatens to steal the show with his portrayal of Horace’s long-suffering butler, Bates) and Sally Ann Triplett as the spendthrift Marge. 

Top Hat is at Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 4 October then goes on tour until Saturday 11 April; main picture: Johan Persson.