Hamilton
Palace Theatre
He is the A-L-E-X-A-N-D-E-R we are here to see, and for the first time we are doing so outside of London as the show embarks on it’s first ever UK tour which kicked off in Manchester.
We went to two performances before writing this review; opening night and then the Saturday night performance a week later. We wanted to wait before writing this review as we know opening night may not be reflective of the full show, but if you want to see our opening night thoughts our YouTube channel has a review of that performance.
The Lin-Manuel Miranda created musical is undoubtedly a cultural phenomenon that has won almost every award imaginable and wowed audiences in London. Expectations for the show were therefore high, and thankfully this production did not disappoint.
For those unfamiliar, Hamilton is a sung-through musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. Detailing Hamilton’s involvement in the American Revolution and his role as George Washington’s right hand man, through to his marriage, law career and eventual death. Though predominantly a hip-hop musical featuring an array of rap songs, including the fastest delivered line in musical history, the musical also has big, tear-jerking, ballads full of heart as well as swing numbers.
This show is unlike any other.
The staging and set are simple, yet at the same time quite complex. Exposed brickwork and wood provide an industrial look, whilst ropes and pulleys suggest a nautical theme. At the centre of the stage is a revolving floor which is incorporated into the musical numbers through some outstanding choreography. With only stools and tables used sparingly, the bareness of the stage ensures the focus is on the cast, and what a cast they are!
Shaq Taylor steps into the role of Hamilton and makes it his own. Throughout the production, Taylor seems to age in line with his character; the teenage Hamilton is full of self-assured swagger whilst adult Hamilton is insecure and unsure of the right course of action. Taylor’s multifaceted performance is outstanding and of a standard that can often be lacking in a touring production. He was definitely West End / Broadway worthy.
Sam Oladeinde was just as outstanding as Aaron Burr. We’ve been lucky enough to see Hamilton multiple times previously, but Oladeinde delivered our favourite version of Burr to date. His performance was nuanced, with far more Burr looking in from the outside than any other actor has included in their interpretation. His delivery of The Room Where It Happens was simply perfection.
As counterparts, Taylor and Oladeinde had the perfect chemistry. Their casting is to be applauded.
Billy Nevers as Lafayette / Thomas Jefferson and KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan / James Madison were impeccable, as was DeAngelo Jones as John Laurens / Philip Hamilton. Playing multiple characters in any production has a danger of producing muddy characters where too many characteristics are shared between what should be singular, unique characters. This was not the case with these actors. They were superb in each role with absolutely no muddying.
The Schuyler Sisters (Aisha Jawando as Angelica, Maya Britto as Eliza and Gabriela Benedetti as Peggy) were a perfect Destiny’s Child style trio.
Individually, Benedetti brought comedy to the role of Peggy and a sultry confidence to the role of Maria Reynolds. Particularly in the role of Maria, her vocals were amazing.
Maya Britto’s Eliza was mesmerising. Her rendition of Burn completely broke Jo at both shows. The raw emotion Britto delivered was a masterclass that was only exceeded by her scream when Philip dies.
Aisha Jawando as Angelica was possible the weakest performer of the three. In no way was she bad, but she was out shone.
Charles Simmons is a seasoned performer in the role of George Washington, having performed the part in the German tour. He absolutely excelled in showing the transition of Washington from a leader of troops to the leader of the USA.
Finally, Daniel Boys as King George delivered a classic comedy performance. On opening night some nerves were evident, but given how loudly the audience were cheering in anticipation of his first appearance the nerves can more than be excused. The nerves had no impact on his vocals and delivery though. By our second show, Boys had settled in and had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.
This show made us laugh, cry, gave us goosebumps on multiple occasions, and is an epic production that leaves you wanting more. It’s hard to put into words just how spectacular this show is. No other musical is like this show, and it has to be seen to be believed.
The show is on in Manchester until February 2024 before touring various venues across the UK through 2025. A full list of where the tour is visiting is available on the Hamilton tour website along with links to purchase tickets at the different venues. In Manchester, tickets ranged from £15 to £187.50. The show will be on in Liverpool 6 May 2025 to 7 June 2025. If you’re able to be in the room where it happens, then you will not be disappointed.
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