For the past 16 weeks, Manchester’s very own Palace Theatre has showcased the award-winning musical ‘Hamilton’. 

The production by Lin-Manuel Miranda has amassed many prestigious awards, including  11 Tony Awards, 7 Olivier Awards, the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. It follows the life story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s founding fathers who aided George Washington during the Revolutionary War against the British Empire. 

 

Described by Lin Manuel-Miranda as ‘the story of America then, as told by America now’ the show was based on Rob Chernour’s biography of Alexander Hamilton and combines various traditional style show tunes, as well as hip hop and R&B influences. What likely helped gain the masterpiece such international popularity was the covid pandemic, where In 2020 a live stage recording of the film became one of the most streamed films of the year. 

 

Richard Rawlinson attended the 10th of February performance, and thoroughly enjoyed his experience, despite little prior knowledge of the show or time period.

‘I was on the edge of my seat, learning about a part of history that I was so unfamiliar with in such a profound way will stay with me for a long time’

 

 

 

This long season in Manchester is part of a UK and Ireland tour, for the first time in the show’s history, undoubtedly making it an unmissable event. Despite beginning in an off-broadway theatre in 2015 (seating less than 500 people) 'Hamilton' has been homed in London’s Victoria Palace Theatre since December 2017, continuing to smash records across the globe and entertain full houses. The show is particularly praised for the diversity of its cast, typically having the majority of its roles, and all of America’s founding fathers, played by non-white performers.

 

Although, this production does take a certain degree of artistic license for dramatic purposes, for example, the omission of a further 5 Schuyler children and Angelica Schuyler (who is depicted to have a somewhat ambiguous relationship with Alexander Hamilton) actually having a husband and two children by the time of their meeting in the show. Nevertheless, it is prized for its overall historical accuracy and balanced showcase of the lives of the historical figures. The highs and lows of 'Hamilton' are truly gripping, such as the tragic death of his 19-year-old son, the first major sex scandal in American Political History, and the establishment of the US Constitution through this turbulent era.

‘Hamilton’ may have moved on from Manchester, but the UK and Ireland tour will continue until September 2025, as well as its permanent London home and access on various streaming services. Make sure to catch it while you can!