Opera hat described as: Some sources have taken this to describe an early folding top hat, although it is not explicitly stated whether Dollman's design was specifically for male or female headgear. Dollman's patent expired in 1825. Operating from Poissy, Paris, France, around 1840, Antoine Gibus's design for a spring-loaded collapsible top-hat proved so popular that hats made to it became known as "gibus". They were also often called "opera hats" due to the common practice of storing them in their flattened state under one's seat at the opera, though the term can also refer to any tall formal men's hat. The
Top Hat (musical) to the precept of deferred gratification”. "London Evening Standard" critic Henry Hitchings described the show as “a bit slow hitting its stride”. "Top Hat" received positive reviews on blogs, with Zoe Craig describing it on the "Londonist" as “pure, fun, cheery escapist entertainment”. Bechtler's set design and Deamer’s choreography were praised (“This clever collaboration is clearly evident in every scene transition as the cast dance and interact with the set, making the whole changeover seem like a fluid part of the story") on "BestOfTheatre". Despite its mixed reception by critics, "Top Hat" won the Best Night Out award at the