Review: Hamilton
Written by Jamie Griffiths on November 23, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTcAczlomws
Review: Hamilton
Manchester Palace Theatre 21st November 2023 by Stuart Ellis
Hamilton the musical is a multi award-winning masterpiece by Lin-Manuel Miranda, now on at the Palace Theatre, Manchester! This is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway – the story of America then, as told by America now.
Charles Simmons as George Washington and Company. Photo by Danny Kaan.
A top notch cast including some alumni from the West End production. Although centred round the title character this really is an ensemble piece with every moment choreographed to perfection. The staging and lighting alone are worth seeing.
The audience was clearly full of Hamilton devotees which made for an electric atmosphere. The only slight downside to all the knowing whoops and cheers is that because the show is so fast paced and reliant on the lyrics, anyone new to it would have struggled at times to follow the story.
Shaq Taylor as Alexander Hamilton. Photo by Danny Kaan
It seems unfair to single anyone out in a show where every part is equally important, strong performances from Shaq Taylor and Sam Oladeinde as Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Equally impressive were Maya Britto as Eliza and Aisha Jawando as Angelica. Charles Simmons was wonderful as George Washington and a special mention to Daniel Boys for an almost show stealing King George III. Quite an achievement for a character who spends less than 10 mins on stage.
Maya Britto, Aisha Jawando and Gabriela Benedetti. Photo by Danny Kaan
Daniel Boys as King George. Photo by Danny Kaan
For me though it’s when cast, music, staging and choreography all come together seamlessly that Hamilton becomes something truly special.
The multi award-winning Hamilton is touring the UK for the very first time, having opened at the Manchester Palace Theatre for a 15 week season until Saturday 24 February 2024 followed by a run at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday 28 February – Saturday 27 April 2024. Get more details at the official site HERE.
The Hamilton Company
