Note: the actors/actresses may change roles depending on the night of the performance. This review is based on the cast of the evening performance on the 17th August.
For my sister's 18th birthday my parents and I bought her tickets to see Hamilton in the Victoria Palace Theatre, London. So we spent a weekend exploring London and on the Friday night, watching Hamilton. I thought I would give a review of this musical so that you guys could learn more about it, as I had no idea really on what this musical was about before I saw it. Not that interested in musicals? Well you should be for this one because it's different and far more contemporary than other musicals that I have seen and know of!
Before the show even begins, you are greeted with the most beautiful theatre that I have ever come across. The Victoria Palace Theatre is covered in white marble and outlines of gold. When you step inside, you do really feel like you are in a palace. There are huge diamond chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the walls look like they were only painted the day before you arrive. The theatre also features decadent staircases and fancy bars which make you feel like royalty. This is the perfect setting before Hamilton, as royalty plays an important part within the play. Now you've entered and experienced the theatre itself, it's time to get on with the show!
You are greeted with a wooden set accompanied by many ropes and levels. Want to know a secret to this set? In the centre there is a spin plate which moves at various times throughout the show. This is used to enhance the choreography of the dance routines and as the actors walk on it to create the effect that they are walking through a town. The spin plate adds a unique element to the show which amazes you continually and utilises the space on stage.
One main observation to make with this set is that it does not change. In most shows there is a set change to show a change of location. In Hamilton this is not the case. Other than the movement of props including tables and chairs, the set barely changes. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as the spin plate is utilised and you remain more focused on the characters and story line rather than the set. However, a small set change as an indication as to where certain events are taking place may have been useful as at certain points the location of the characters is a bit ambiguous.
Want to know one of the best bits about this show? It's based on fact! It tells the story of one of the founding fathers of America, Alexander Hamilton, who is lesser known compared to some of the other founding fathers. I know basically nothing about American History but after watching Hamilton I felt so educated! I think it's an important part of history that both Americans and Brits should know about.
Now I move onto the stars of the show! I must say that you fully engage with the characters in this show. Each character has their own personality which is uniquely interesting. You want to know about everyone's life. Each character also has their own catchphrase ('not throwing away my shot', 'helpless', 'wait for it') which means you can immediately link them into a situation and ensures that themes are continued throughout the show. I think this is a very clever writing technique. These characters are brought to life through the amazingly talented cast. My favourite characters were: King George (Waylon Jacobs), George Washington (Obioma Ugoala), and Aaron Burr (Giles Terera).
Waylon Jacobs as King George absolutely owned the stage. In the show he usually appears on his own as the King of England giving his views on what is happening in America. Naturally, this is done through the medium of song. The way Jacobs varies the tone in his voice and uses his body language makes him an absolute showstopper. You immediately smile when he appears on the stage because you know his performance is going to be amazing. He breaks up the severity of the situations happening on stage by bringing a comedic yet educational interlude.
George Washington is the voice of reason throughout the play. He acts as a father figure for Hamilton trying his best to guide him on the right path. When he leaves, everything goes downhill. Washington is one of my favourite characters as he is a reassuring element of sanity amongst all the madness going on. He reminds you that there is calm and sensibility in the world even if the world seems crazy.
Aaron Burr is Hamilton's rival throughout the show. Hamilton and Burr start by working together, but slowly become rivals after Burr takes Hamilton's father-in-law's cabinet position. This rivalry ends in their final showdown. The reason why Aaron Burr is one of my favourite characters is because that, despite being the protagonist's rival, you still root for him. In Hamilton, there aren't specific heroes or villains - only people holding their own opinions and fighting for their beliefs. Throughout the play, we see Burr try to rise in position and power yet constantly fail due to Hamilton. In the end, you feel sorry for him and secretly root for him to achieve his goals. He is the same as Hamilton - ambitious, hard working, and a loving parent (this similarity is displayed wonderfully in the song 'Dear Theodosia') - it's just the way he goes about achieving his goals is different to Hamilton. They are two sides of the same coin and I prefer Burr's side rather than Hamilton's.
Other than Waylon Jacobs, I have two actors/actresses who stole the show: Rachelle Ann Go (Eliza) and Jason Pennycooke (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson). Rachelle Ann Go has the most beautiful voice. Her emotional performance throughout the show brings you to tears. She perfectly portrays a loving mother and concerned wife. When she goes through suffering, you truly feel for Eliza as Ann Go does such a good job in wrapping you within the situation and her emotions.
Jason Pennycooke plays two characters in the show. The funny Frenchman, Lafayette, and one of the other founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Pennycooke does a brilliant job of bringing humour to both characters making the audience smile when either character is on stage. In a show as big as this, it's difficult to play just one character, but Pennycooke wonderfully manages to play two. He is able to bring a natural-sounding french accent to Lafayette and then transforms into the American Thomas Jefferson. I must say that all actors and actresses in this show were amazing, but these were the ones that stood out to me.
The final thing I shall talk about is the main feature of the show - the music! Hamilton is not like your standard musical, it is far more contemporary. Hamilton's music features many rap songs. This brings a more exciting and thrilling aspect into elements of the show. Raps are used as part of battles between characters which brings humour and a modern feel to the show. This modernity makes you feel like you can relate to the characters despite the play being set in the 1800's. It also features many songs which stay in your mind and you will be singing whilst you're leaving the theatre and for days after! The music is used very cleverly to convey humour, as with characters such as King George and Lafayette, and to convey deep emotion as with Eliza. I have mentioned that Rachelle Ann Go has a beautiful voice, another beautiful voice to mention is Miriam-Teak Lee who plays Angelica. Her voice is so powerful it resonates throughout the room. The final mention for a wonderful voice is the main man himself, Ash Hunter, who plays Alexander Hamilton. In the Original Broadway Cast Recording, Lin Manuel Miranda plays the part of Hamilton and sings his songs. I must say that Hunter does far better justice to these brilliant songs. Listening to the songs in person absolutely blows the socks off the Original Broadway Cast Recording.
To finish up, I'd really recommend going to see Hamilton, even if you're not a big musical fan. It appeals to those interested in American history, contemporary music, comedy, and theatre. It doesn't take the top spot as my favourite musical (which is Les Miserables), but I would go and see it again and I am still listening to the music now!
Have you seen Hamilton? What did you think about it? If you haven't seen it, does this review make you want to go and see it? What is your favourite musical? Let me know in the comments!
Scribble to you soon, Scarlett