Created by Lin Manuel Miranda, this show has become a global sensation, playing in New York, North America and currently playing in London at Victoria Palace Theatre.
Hamilton the Musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphaned immigrant from the Caribbean who rose to become one of the most influential figures in early American politics. The show explores his work during the American Revolution, his role as the first Secretary of the Treasury, and his personal struggles, particularly his rivalry with Aaron Burr. Throughout the show, Hamilton’s relationships with other historical figures, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and his wife Eliza Hamilton, are central to the plot. One of the key highlights of Hamilton is its music, blending hip hop, rap, and Broadway styles. Each song helps drive the narrative and adds depth to the characters’ stories.
Hamilton’ is, first and foremost, an extremely enjoyable show. The hip hop musical works because writer Lin Manuel Miranda clearly understands what mainstream audiences like about hip hop, what mainstream audiences like about musical theatre and how to make it all work. Put simply, Hamilton is full of big emotions and big tunes whilst at the same time it’s thrilling and funny, with brilliant storytelling.
The opening tune, ‘Alexander Hamilton’, exemplifies everything that’s great about the show. It’s got a relentlessly catchy build and momentum, edge-of-seat sense of drama, and is full of information, as the key performers bring us up to speed with the eventful life that Hamilton led before he emigrated to America in 1772 as a teenager.
Hamilton the Musical has been a hit for the only reason anything is a hit because it is a great entertainment. The cast are exceptional, the story telling is faultless, the blending of the hip hop with rap is so smooth and the set design impeccable. A fantastic show.
Details
- Address:
- Victoria Palace Theatre
- SW1E 5EA