Hamilton is currently being performed at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London in a 2 hour and 45 minute spectacle. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s visionary musical incorporates various genres of music including hip-hop, blues, jazz, rap and R&B, which has aided its popularity and relevance with mainstream audiences.

This Is Local London: The Victoria Palace TheatreThe Victoria Palace Theatre

The award-winning production is centred around one of the Founding Fathers of the United States: Alexander Hamilton, as well as other key figures who were instrumental in the American Revolutionary War and establishing the U.S constitution. Although not entirely historically accurate, the show excellently portrays these significant events in energetic musical numbers, through a modern lens.

 

The powerful opening number introduces the audience to Alexander Hamilton, played by Karl Queensborough, described as “another immigrant comin' up from the bottom.” The catchy song provides an insight into Hamilton’s character who states, “There's a million things I haven't done / But just you wait, ” perfectly creating a sense of momentum and excitement for the rest of the show.

 

One highlight of the show is Ava Brennan’s soulful performance of ‘Satisfied’, which tells the story of Angelica Schuyler’s unrequited romance with Hamilton in a heart-breaking ballad. Elements of humour are also sprinkled in throughout the production especially in Harry Hepple’s hilarious depiction of King George in ‘You’ll Be Back’ and ‘What Comes Next?’, as well as through Lin-Manuel Miranda’s witty rhymes. Some striking examples of this include the repeated motif of “Aaron Burr, Sir” and the lyrics “Burr, you disgust me / Ah, so you've discussed me" in ‘The Schuyler Sisters’.

 

The show ends with the emotive number: ‘Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?’ where Eliza Hamilton, played by Sharon Rose, breaks the fourth wall and delivers a shocked gasp to the audience, closing the narrative and highlighting the importance of Hamilton’s legacy.

 

The diverse casting is another key element of the production. Alexander Hamilton is played by Karl Queensborough. The Schuyler Sisters are portrayed by Ava Brennan as Angelica Schuyler, Sharon Rose as Eliza Hamilton, and Emilie Louise Israel as both Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds. They are joined by Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Aaron Burr, Trevor Dion Nicholas as George Washington, Harry Hepple as King George, Waylon Jacobs as Marquis De Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Emile Ruddock as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, and Khalid Daley as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton.

 

Overall, Hamilton is an incredible show to see in the theatre. The costuming, dance routines, vocals and story-telling are all outstanding and create a compelling atmosphere throughout the production. Book tickets for the show here.