As Bradford takes its place in the limelight as the UK City of Culture 2025, the smash hit Hamilton, perhaps the most hyped musical of recent times, arrives in the city for a seven-week run – the only Yorkshire date for what is described as “the story of America then, told by America now”.
A Revolutionary Musical
The musical covers the life of American founding father Alexander Hamilton (Marley Fenton) and his involvement in the American revolution and the political history of the early United States.
While this description might give the impression that the musical is a dry and mundane experience, the reality is far from it. The musical score blends rap, jazz, hip-hop, soul and R&B into a melting pot of musical styles that keeps audience members on the edge of their seats.
To call it a glorified musical concert would be a disservice. The music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda are inspirational and thought provoking. The stage set never alters during the almost three-hour show, though you hardly notice this as the story, music and action are mesmerising throughout. The only real gimmick, if you would like to call it that, is a small revolving stage that complements rather than distracts from the experience.
The first half of the musical deals with Hamilton’s rise to power and glory, from his challenging start in life as an orphan to his service as an assistant to George Washington (Akmed Junior Khemalai), his marriage to Eliza Schuyler (Roshani Abbey) and his love/hate relationship with Aaron Burr (Billy Nevers).
The mood turns sour for Hamilton in the second half, as his impending downfall becomes apparent. There’s an extramarital affair, and his fall from power and grace results in an epic finale, though to learn what this involves you will have to witness the breathtaking production for yourself.
Hamilton’s strong and talented cast
A strong and talented cast received well deserved rapturous applause.
Whilst the musical itself is robust enough to fill theatre seats, it is the excellent cast who make Hamilton a must-see show. I found myself flicking through my programme numerous times to see who they were. More importantly, why had I not heard of them before?
Fenton might have taken the lead role as Hamilton, but it was Nevers who commanded the stage throughout as Aaron Burr, with a voice that recalled the softer tones of Terence Trent D’Arby mixed with the soul of latter-day stars such as Teddy Swims. Someone needs to give Nelson a record deal as he could be a star in his own right.
Roshani Abbey did not seem to sing with the same emotion, notably when Eliza became upset at her Hamilton’s infidelity, but she still brought a soulful touch to the proceedings. Chasity Crisp’s Angelica Schuyler was superb. If you closed your eyes, you could have imagined you were listening to Beyoncé.
Ashley J Daniels easily handled a dual role as the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, with the latter serving as Hamilton’s political adversary. KM Drew Boateng deserves a special mention for portraying Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, as he too commanded the stage.
If you thought the pantomime season had concluded, you might need to think again. Louis Maskell delivered a somewhat swish portrayal of King George, illuminating the stage with his over-the-top, comical take.
Believe the hype
Not only does Hamilton live up to the hype; it goes far beyond. It’s a highly entertaining musical and gripping throughout. The songs are memorable, the storyline original, the presentation of the choreography dramatic and the cast par excellence.
That the Alhambra has exclusively booked the show in Yorkshire says a lot about the theatre’s reputation, which is thoroughly deserved. If you only get one chance to experience a night at the theatre, make a date with Hamilton – you will not be disappointed. To paraphrase one of numbers in the show, the Alhambra is “the room where it happens”.
A great way to kick off Bradford’s reign as UK City of Culture, Hamilton runs in Bradford until Saturday 15 March.
