Finally, after almost a decade of waiting, the Broadway and West-End smash hit, ‘Hamilton’, has made it’s way to Edinburgh, playing at the Festival Theatre until Saturday 27th April 2024. ‘Hamilton’ follows the real-life story of one of America’s foremost founding fathers and first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.
The cast for this musical is the best of the best in the UK’s Musical Theatre industry. Shaq Taylor brings Alexander Hamilton to the stage with such versatility in his portrayal. While we see tragedy and dark events surrounding this historical figure, Shaq brings a lighthearted and bright energy to Hamilton. This helps the audience instantly connect to him and his comrades. Not only this, but Shaq’s portrayal of Hamilton’s passion and energy during numbers such as ‘My Shot’, is infectious. This is a tremendous portrayal, bringing rich vocals and a fierce drive to Hamilton’s journey. Maya Britto as Eliza Hamilton delivers us a delicate and beautiful portrayal as Hamilton’s wife. Maya radiates kindness and an innocent soul for this character, complimented by her stunning vocals. ‘Burn’ is performed which such beauty and passion that you can’t help but resonate with Eliza’s emotions
Sam Oladeinde’s portrayal of Aaron Burr is sensational. Hamilton’s opponent is given justification for his choices and demeanor towards his legendary peer. Performances of ‘Alexander Hamilton’, ‘Wait For It’ and ‘The Room Where It Happens’ are highlights of the whole production due to Sam’s sublime vocals and presence on stage. You do not want to miss what may possibly be the best portrayal of Aaron Burr that the UK has seen.
Photo by Danny Kaan
Aisha Jawando’s portrayal of Angelica Schuyler shines a light on the brilliantly complex matriarch. With beautiful vocals, a powerfully stern demeanor and an emphasized sense of loyalty. One small criticism is that at some points Aisha’s diction can drop, making lyrics unclear, however apart from this, vocally – this is a strong depiction of the eldest Schuyler sister, with numbers such as ‘Satisfied’ being performed with such power. Aisha’s portrayal of Angelica is superb. Gabriela Benedetti brings two versatile supporting characters in the style of Peggy Schuyler (everyone’s favourite Schuyler sister), and Maria Reynolds. The latter is a strong portrayal that creates conflict between the audience and Hamilton over his choices and also his support of Maria. This is a great supporting portrayal of two very different women.
Billy Nevers as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson is an absolute delight. The lighthearted portrayal he delivers for both these characters acts as great comic devices to break up the dark moments of ‘Hamilton’. With this, the welcome quirks mainly within Jefferson are a hilarious treat. KM Drew Boateng as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison really does well in varying his portrayal for both these characters. KM uses the character’s social statuses as a device for how he approaches their characterization. However, undoubtedly the booming, raspy vocals of Hercules Mulligan are an audience favourite.
Charlie Simmons’ emotional portrayal of George Washington is incredible. For a political character that is not heavily featured within one’s own country’s history, ‘Hamilton’ does well to deliver all the backstory you need to respect this historical figure. Yet, that is also down to Charlie Simmons’ performance which encourages this admiration. Charlie’s performance of ‘History Has Its Eyes on You’ and ‘One Last Time’ are emotional triumphs that pull the personal attributes of these characters ahead of the politics, it makes them human, and Charlie’s portrayal of George Washington, shows the first President of America’s humanity in such a beautiful way.
DeAngelo Jones as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton gives so much energy and charisma to both of these historical characters. When it comes to singing and rapping, DeAngelo is supremely talented, he makes it seem effortless. His portrayal of Philip Hamilton has a clear character journey, through DeAngelo’s depiction of the naivety of youth and the confidence of a man coming of age, this resonates firmly with the audience.
Daniel Boys as King George is hilarious, this supporting performer shines through the comedic numbers he is supplied. The now iconic ‘You’ll Be Back’, ‘What Comes Next?’ and ‘I Know Him’ are performed with the perfect balance of deadpan and comedic nuance.
Photo by Danny Kaan
This production has a great ensemble delivering outstanding backing vocals and breathtaking physical theatre throughout the performance. The ensemble are as follows; Kyerron Dixon-Bassey (Philip Schuyler/James Reynolds/Doctor), Harry Robinson (Samuel Seabury), Antoine Murray-Straughan (Charles Lee), Simeon Beckett (George Eacker), Taylor Bradshaw, Levi Tyrell Johnson, Honey Joseph, Mia Mullarkey, Izzy Read, Alice Readie, Samantha Shuma, Akmed Junior Khemalai (Standby), Jasmine Jia Yung Shen (Standby), Michael James Stewart (Standby), Cletus Chan (Swing), Kyeirah D’Marni (Swing), Yesy Garcia (Swing), Richard Logun (Swing), Buna McCreery-Njie (Swing), Kiran Patel (Swing), Phoebe Samuel-Gray (Swing), Rhys West (Swing), Jack Whitehead (Swing) and Sian Yeo (Swing).
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s book, music and lyrics (based on Ron Chernow’s novel) turn the story of one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, into one of the biggest theatrical events of all time. The ingenious music featured within this production brings musical theatre into the 21st century, taking inspiration from hip hop, R&B, pop, soul and traditional show tunes. The score for ‘Hamilton’ is unlike anything that has come before it, it has revolutionized how we tell stories on a stage. It’s exciting and at points the quick pacing of this story hits the audience with the unexpected. Thomas Kail and Andy Blankenbuehler’s direction of this story does so well to rely heavily on an ensemble to support the story telling rather than physical set. The minimalism present within this production is one which allows the creative team and performers to fully rely on their talent. Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography is highly creative and rare element to add to the already stellar creative ideas present within this production. Andy’s choreography resembles physical theatre more than dance as there are so many physical components to each scene, it is like a machine. You can watch this performance more than ten times and see something new happening through the movement with a member of the ensemble. The choreography in this musical is ingenious. Kail and Blankenbuehler removing the limitations for the performers and utilizing their raw talent is probably what makes the storytelling of ‘Hamilton’ even more exquisite.
Photo by Danny Kaan
David Korins’ scenic design is simply stunning, he has taken something minimalistic and turned it into a grand and effective spectacle. This is complimented by Paul Tazewell’s incredible costume design, which is authentic to the time with splendour and colour, bringing a feast for the eyes. Adding to this feast, is the stunning, vibrant and effective lighting design from the late Howell Binkley.
‘Hamilton’ is a revolutionary piece of musical theatre, that uniquely tells the story of Alexander Hamilton with a 21st Century flare. This is the Scottish Theatre event of the year which has everyone begging to be in the room where it happens, and quite rightly so.
Get tickets for ‘Hamilton’ at Edinburgh Festival Theatre here:
https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/hamilton/2158#tickets
Theatre Scotland 
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