Cunard to introduce West End musical ‘Top Hat’ ahead of Cape Town cruises

Cunard Line has announced that the award-winning musical ‘Top Hat’ will be introduced aboard Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in September, ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s Cape Town cruise in November.

Featuring music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, the musical, based on the 1935 RKO motion picture of the same name will debut in the Royal Court Theatre onboard both vessels.

The show takes audiences through the story of Jerry Travers, a man who dances his way across Europe on a journey to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont.

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“We are delighted to bring this award winning musical to sea for the first time, exclusively on board Cunard,” said Lee Powell, Vice President Brand & Product, Cunard. “With spectacular performances and Irvin Berlin’s greatest musical numbers, our cast is sure to delight guests with an unforgettable experience for everyone to enjoy.”

‘Top Hat’ is a 1930s comedy set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for its dazzling array of costumes, set design and tap dancing. ‘Top Hat’ opened in London in 2011 and won three Laurence Olivier awards, including Best New Musical.

Cunard Line will become the first cruise line to ever introduce the musical at sea, and it will be performed exclusively aboard Cunard vessels for the next four years, according to a press release.

“Top Hat perfectly matches the Frank Matcham-style theatres on board Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, which complement this visually outstanding show perfectly,” said Matthew White, the production’s original stage show director.

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White also co-adapted the stage script from the film and is now assisting with adapting the show for its at-sea premiere.

Queen Victoria was the first to introduce the new show on September 3^rd, while it will have it’s opening night on Queen Elizabeth on September 17^th.

Queen Elizabeth will cruise from Cape Town on November 20^th, 2019, on a 24-night voyage to Melbourne in Australia.

Next year, Cunard Line will cruise from South Africa again, but it will be with Queen Mary 2. It’s unclear if ‘Top Hat’ will be introduced aboard the flagship as well (or Cunard’s new ship, launching in 2022), but if not, we’ll have the chance to see if in SA waters aboard Queen Victoria in 2021.

Queen Victoria will cruise from Cape Town on April 14^th, on a 15-night cruise to Southampton.