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Hamilton




When: 10th September 2021

Where: Victoria Palace Theatre, London

Writer: Lin Manuel Miranda

Director: Thomas Kail


I had previously had tickets to see Hamilton last summer, but then Covid hit. I watched the filmed production on Disney+ and I didn't fully understand the hype. I felt it was good, but it didn't excite me as much as I wanted it to, so I wasn't rushing to re-book our tickets. Flash forward to last week, and we won the Ticket lottery! We entered every week because it was just something to do, we never fully thought we would actually get tickets. I was very excited, mainly for experience of being front row at a performance, rather than the production itself. However, all I can say is I now understand the hype. My love for Hamilton has been re-born and I want to go and see it over and over again. 

From the moment the lights went down, the atmosphere in the room was exhilarating. The performance started and I got goosebumps, I couldn't stop smiling. I have listened to the Original Broadway cast recording too many times, and know practically all the words to every song. Obviously this was a different cast and I was prepared for that, but this cast were amazing. They didn't try to replicate the original, they took each character and did there own thing with it. Maybe one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much more live, was that it was not the same, it felt fresh and new. The actors were having fun with the characters and even though they were saying the same words their approach to them varied. I'm not going to lie, I know Lin Manuel Miranda wrote it and obviously its incredible, but (Unpopular Opinion) I've never really liked him as Alexander Hamilton. He is a very good actor, but there is something a little off putting about his performance as Hamilton. However, Karl Queensborough played the character with so much power and understanding, his portrayal of the character was so intriguing. I felt his portrayal was just that bit more textured and thoughtful. 

When I listen to the album my favourite songs are always the gentle, normally female songs, mainly because these are the ones I find I can sing best. However, when I was there my favourite songs were the opposite. Songs such as 'Wait for It' and 'The Room Where it Happens'. These songs created so much excitement in the room, I couldn't help but get excited with people. 

I really enjoyed the scenes with the King, they were so funny and simple, I particularly like the moment when he is sat on a chair at the side watching some of the action take place. I also loved Wait for It, the power created during the song was incredible. One of my favourite scenes has always been Satisfied, and it still is, the song is so detailed and pure in its portrayal of emotion, but it is also quite a fun exciting song. Really, the whole thing was absolutely incredible, I never wanted it to end. I will be listening to the album on repeat for a while. In fact I am listening to it as I write this.

I couldn't write this and not talk about the experience of being front row. My neck did ache, but it was so worth it. I felt like I was on stage with them. I could see every facial expression, the amount of energy and power they were putting into their performances. The sweat dripping down they're faces, and the spit coming out of their mouths. I could fully admire the effort that these people were putting in to give the audience a good time. I missed some parts like, their feet and there were moments that happened further back that were a little challenging to see, but it definitely didn't detract from the overall experience. Long after I left the theatre I couldn't stop thinking about what I had seen. I am so thankful that I got to have this experience, and I realise truly how lucky I am. 


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