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Hamilton, the most talked about musical of the last decade, has opened its first ever UK tour in Manchester. And you absolutely need to be in “the room where it happens”.
The hype is real people. REAL.
Don’t forget to read my review of The Drifters Girl
THE STORY OF TONIGHT
This is Alexander Hamilton’s life story. He is a founding father of the United States and this musical uses the likes of hip hop, rap, R&B and pop to share his ancient history in a modern way.
It’s an epic journey covering his key involvement in the American Revolution, his marriage to Eliza Schuyler, his career as a lawyer and time as Secretary of the Treasury to President George Washington as well as his life changing rivalry with Aaron Burr.
There is no time to breathe as the story mercilessly drives on, at a pace only befitting to Hamilton who is relentless in his endeavour to leave a legacy. It slows in the second act as tragedy takes overs and the ballads come thick and fast. Just be ready to commit to following these events on fast forward.
Buy your Hamilton tickets now, and read on to learn more about this production.
BLOW US ALL AWAY
Listening to Hamilton the musical, on repeat if you’re me, is nowhere near the same as seeing it at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. And it’s much better than watching the Broadway version on Disneyplus as here you get the full experience whereas so much is missed in the recording due to cuts and close ups.
The story is brought alive in person.
The wooden scaffolding and thick nautical ropes highlight a country that is being built before our very eyes. The floor turntable literally represents the fact Hamilton and Burr circle each other’s work and lives.
The staging gives you a new perspective. ‘Cabinet Battles’ break the fourth wall as an actual battle rap commences, using rhyme to debate financial matters and war. ‘Helpless’ and ‘Satisfied’ are choreographed in the same manner but flipped by experiencing the evening through different eyes.
The characterisation brings new meaning to the narrative with inflections and nuance. Moments that are lost on the cast recording are savoured on stage. The richness and humour of the material is revealed.
And that material – wow. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda really is a lyrical genius. The music of Hamilton is a bona fide melodic masterpiece. Such intelligence in every single rhyme. Every syllable counts. The skilful delivery on stage is breathtaking.
HISTORY HAS ITS EYES ON YOU
SHAQ TAYLOR as leading man, Hamilton, really is a steady ship, steering this musical to success. He portrays a man who is unapologetically himself. Struggling to contain his thoughts, honourable in his nature and obsessively driven. His enunciation and emotion of every word is masterful.
In complete contrast, SAM OLADEINDE as friend and foe, Burr, is incredibly measured. Unwilling to let his composed mask drop even for a second.
BILLY NEVERS slays the house down. One of the most enjoyable characters to watch. His fiercely fun Lafayette and seriously sassy Jefferson adds a playfulness. With vocals that stun, he’s a real powerhouse.
Offering more joy to this rollercoaster of a musical is DANIEL BOYS as King George. The audience laugh even before he opens his mouth, which tells you the humour this man can evoke with just a look.
And where would this show be without the Schuyler sisters. “There’s nothing rich folks love more”, than a strong sisterhood. AISHA JAWANDO as Angelica is stoic and streetwise whilst MAYA BRITTO beautifully depicts Eliza’s fragile naivety. “And Peggy”, GABRIELA BENEDETTI, who moonlights as mistress Maria Reynolds, sounds absolutely delicious. ‘Say No To This’ is one of my favourite tracks of the musical.
Hamilton is a tour de force and it’s the tour of the moment. After watching it once, there’s no doubt ‘you’ll be back’ for more.
Hamilton is playing at Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 24 Febraury 2024.
Before moving on to Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham, Dublin, Cardiff, Bradford, Southampton, Liverpool, Sunderland, Plymouth and Norwich.
Image credit: Danny Kaan