Hamilton

Hamilton London - Copyright Delfont Mackintosh

So after months of waiting I finally got to see the most talked about show to come from Broadway: Hamilton, and boy was it worth it. I was worried that I would be disappointed, that it would all be hype but no; moving, engaging and instantly classic songs. Worth every penny and the pain of getting there!

The musical itself is high energy and packed with stuff, Hamilton crammed alot into his life and the musical feels like it is trying to do the same but it is engaging and has some fantastic emotional moments specifically in the second half during the song 'It's Quiet Uptown'  when the entire Grand Circle could be heard sniffing and holding back the tears. All of the cast are excellent with Obioma Ugoala's George Washington belting out his songs,Michael Jibson making King George a true pantomime villain  and Jason Pennycooke, Tarinn Callender brilliantly moving from one character to another. I don't even need to say how amazing Jamael Westman was as Hamilton!

The show has some amazing choreography; the carefully planned and executed Satisfied (where we get a flashback/rewind to see an event from someone else's point of view) is brilliant! Fantastic and so hard to do!  Of course there are the awesome songs that you will have stuck in your brain from listening to the soundtrack in advance but seeing some of them live made me rethink songs that I had skipped when listening via Mp3.

Ok I am now going to wax lyrical about the costumes (so skip this paragraph if this is not of interest). Paul Tazewell has done something amazing with the costumes of Hamilton, not only are the ensemble and cast dressed in recognisable 18th Century costumes that were adaptable to the part they were to play (British or revolutionary army, party guest or sailor etc) but then THEN he designed costumes that reflect the change of fashion as the Revolution progressed i.e they become more regency in style half way through the second act!! So important and visually stunning I was completely in love with this level of detail (I know some this comes from the Creator Lin- Manuel Miranda but still). I was very impressed that Rachelle Ann Go could run about in a hoop petticoat but she did it with grace however Rachel Johns nearly fell over her skirt in her big song and reflected my worry that the dresses were not originally designed to be moved about as vigorously as they were . Hopefully they with take the skirts up a couple of inches to help with the movement and make sure Rachel Johns continues to be awesome.

I also noticed that Giles Terera had some microphone issues which is a shame as his Aaron Burr is fascinating and nuanced. The end of the musical is also poignant as it reveals the importance of the name of the show.

The merchandise is a great price and has a good selection ( I brought the unique London Hamilton T shirt with King George on for £28 and goes up to XL). Lots of toilets which is great and if the building isn't quite finished it wasn't too messy to look at. The bar was busy so I was put off getting a drink (but I was late arriving). They do have free water there if you need it.

My only issue with this theatre was my seat. I was sat in the Grand Circle and if you are are taller then 5ft 6ins BE PREPARED! My knees were jammed in the seat in front (I had bruises and little indents in them the next day) as there is barely any leg room! Seat was wide but having to fold my legs under the chair in order to sit was VERY uncomfortable. I hate when theatres just cram you in and not consider the customer experience. Theatre tickets are expensive and with live screenings at your local cinema for half the price people are going to rethink going if they are not able to be comfortable.

Hamilton is worth the wait and the price. Get ready to take your shot!!