Hamilton Visits Manchester

The highly praised US production of Hamilton has arrived in Manchester; the first stop on their UK and Ireland tour, allowing British audiences to experience a history lesson like no other! 

Multiple theatres across the country will be presenting the performance, including the Manchester Palace Theatre, where the tour began on the 11th of November 2023, and will run through to the 24th of February 2024. Multiple school students and teachers alike have already visited the theatre, including Stockport Grammar School, whose history and drama pupils thoroughly enjoyed the viewing on the evening of the 23rd of November. 

That night, the theatre buzzed with anticipation, as the lights dimmed, and the stage came alive with action and song, the first of which was the eponymous ‘Alexander Hamilton’, which set the scene for the play and introduced a handful of the characters. From there on, the storyline unfolded with Lin – Manuel Miranda’s music showcased at the heart of the production. Alongside Alex Lacamoire’s orchestrations, and Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography, the perfectly balanced blend of musical styles, from classic Broadway to rap and hip hop, complimented the dancers superbly, and truly lived up to the audience’s expectations. This made the swiftly paced musical memorable and engaging.  

Despite elements of comedy throughout the musical, the director, Thomas Kail, certainly wanted the audience to consider the villainization, and equally the victimization, of certain characters. For example, at the end of the drama, when the duel between Hamilton, (played by Shaq Taylor) and Aaron Burr, (portrayed by Sam Oladeinde) Hamilton’s political opponent, takes place, the audience are reminded that the characters perceived as history’s villains weren’t necessarily malicious people. Often the ‘hero’ can have the worst of characteristics, masked by their successes. Hamilton spent so much time away from his family, prioritizing his work over his loved ones. A ‘hero’ to his nation but perhaps not to his relatives. From Burr’s point of view, Hamilton was handed everything on a plate, without consequence, whereas he waited patiently for opportunities to present themselves. When they finally did, Hamilton was the one person standing in his way. In his frustration, Burr shot and killed Hamilton, resulting in the villainization of his character throughout history; Hamilton’s mistakes conveniently forgotten.

Furthermore, Eliza Hamilton, Alexander’s wife (who is played by Maya Britto), is possibly one of the most complex characters in the story. Frequently abandoned by Hamilton in favour of his work, the victim of adultery and grieving the loss of her son through violence, Eliza suffered greatly. However, towards the end of the narrative, after Hamilton’s death, Kail depicts her as a strong, independent heroine, who deserves to be celebrated and not pitied. In the early 1800s, Eliza co – founded the first private orphanage in New York City, called the New York Orphan Asylum Society. Clear evidence of her philanthropic nature despite her tribulations. The fresh, modern outlook on these characters is sure to be well received by British audiences.

The production’s popularity isn’t surprising, and the marvellous story, based on Ron Chernour’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, is a joy to watch performed on stage. “I found the play entertaining and it gave me a different view on American politics” - Georgina Vincent Bell, drama and history student.