A long queue encircled the Victoria Place Theatre last Tuesday as audience members waited impatiently to see Hamilton. Since its debut in 2015, Lin Manuel Miranda’s creation has become a cultural sensation. Its combination of hip hop and musical theatre has attracted audiences unaccustomed to Broadway shows. Moreover, by casting non-white actors as Founding Fathers, Lin Manuel Miranda has allowed America to celebrate its diversity. Despite the musical’s distinctly American story, Alexander Hamilton’s tragic tale has captivated audiences across the world. Recently, the musical has gained even greater traction due to the film version on Disney +.
Even from outside, the Victoria Palace Theatre is a marvel to behold. Its white-brick walls, circular windows and dramatic murals offer a certain grandeur. Meanwhile, a funky, red pattern behind the words, “Victoria Palace”, provides an amusing contrast. Above the balcony, illuminated letters spelling, “Hamilton”, serve to heighten the audience’s excitement.
“Palace” is not a misnomer. Inside, ornate chandeliers and golden handrails guide you to your seat. An immense dome lets a few glints of light into the theatre. The ropes and wooden walkways that make up the Hamilton set were already on stage when we arrived. Anticipation grew as the audience found their seats. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and George III’s voice resonated around the auditorium, ordering us to silence our phones. The show had begun…
Alex Sawyer’s performance as Alexander Hamilton was stunning. I instantly recognised him as Topher from the Netflix drama, End of The F***ing world. However, this was the first time I had heard him sing. In the end, he was a much better singer than Lin Manuel Miranda was. Indeed, apart from one slip-up in The World Turned Upside Down, his delivery was flawless.
Going in, I wondered how much they would adapt the show for British audiences. The answer: very little. Nevertheless, some lines were altered to clarify the story for those without American educations. For example, the cast emphasised that John Adams was vice-president in case the audience was unaware.
Apart from such minor details, the American and British shows are identical. From the costumes to the revolving stage and even the choreography, immense care was taken to replicate Miranda’s work. Alex Sawyers even sounded like Lin Manuel Miranda! The cast’s American accents were flawless, as were the ridiculous French and English accents used for George III, Samuel Seabury and Lafayette.
All my favourite moments were conserved…. from the man breakdancing with a book in Schuyler Sisters to Hamilton rushing up the stairs to meet Washington in Non-Stop. The choreography is cleverest in Hurricane. Hamilton stands centre stage as the ensemble moves around him in slow-motion with pieces of furniture, mimicking the hurricane’s destruction.
Trevor Nicholas’ operatic voice gave Washington authority. As a result, One Last Time was a strikingly poignant moment. Likewise, Allyson Ava-Brown’s soft tone enhanced her portrayal of Angelica. At times, her voice seemed to cut out, demonstrating her character’s strong emotions. Finally, Shan Ako (Eliza)’s moving performance brought out the saddest moments of the musical. Sobbing into her son’s arms in Stay Alive (Reprise), Eliza’s grief was palpable.
Many actors play two roles in Hamilton. For example, Jack Halsey-Jones plays John Lawrence and Phillip Hamilton. His transformation from a brave warrior to a naïve child was spectacular. Moreover, Walton Jacobs’ Thomas Jefferson starkly contrasted his Lafayette. Jacobs made Jefferson especially camp. Strutting down the stairs in What Did I Miss?, he demanded the audience applaud his return from France. His particularly rapid rapping made him a stand-out performer.
Nevertheless, George III was undoubtedly the star of the show. Instead of Joel Montague, Tuesday night’s audience saw an understudy take the role. Casting a black actor as George III was genius. He added just enough farce and audience participation for a hilarious performance, whilst avoiding a descent into pantomime. During The Adams Administration, George III’s outlandish dancing distracted the entire audience from Aaron Burr’s words. In the end, even Simon Anthony-Roden, the actor playing Burr, couldn’t help but laugh.
There is no doubt in my mind that this cast deserved the standing ovation they received.
Tickets to see Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London are available here.