Hamilton at Alhambra Theatre Bradford Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Deborah Banasko

Hamilton is one of those shows that I have heard so many “rumblings” about, having been told by several friends that it is a “must-see”. In honesty I had no idea what the show was really about which made it all the more exciting to hear that I had been given the opportunity to review it with my 13-year-old daughter.

Bradford Alhambra is a beautiful theatre, within close proximity to the train station and parking. The staff are always helpful, and the bar is a wonderful place to meet and socialize for pre-show drinks.

Hamilton is a relatively new show, debuting on Broadway in 2015, followed by the UK in 2017. The musical is inspired by the 2004 biography by Ron Chernow and tells the story of orphaned immigrant Alexander Hamilton (performed by Marley Fenton), one of America’s founding Fathers who arrives from the Caribbean to eventually become one of the most influential figures in early American politics. We learn about his friendships, loves, enemies and relationships with key historical figures as he becomes George Washington’s right-hand man during the revolutionary War. This is followed by the significant impact that he had on America in his role as the first Secretary of the Treasury.

This show, in the language of a forty something woman, was slick and cool from start to finish. There is no spoken dialogue; every word is conveyed in the form of rap, hip-hop, or more traditional numbers set against the juxtaposition of the period costumes. In some ways it shouldn’t work, but it does with bells on! What I have found to be lacking in some musicals is often the depth of the narrative, but Hamilton is the most fascinating story told in a captivating way and definitely not a dull history lesson. This show is fresh and full of drama and twists… it has everything and more.

The depth of the characters is built over the course of the show as events happen, but various songs are repeated or referred back to, which really gets the message home and also means that you will still be singing them the following day.

The set is simple and multi levelled, and the period costumes are beautiful and work brilliantly with the contrast of the music genres. The choreography is faultless and compliments the modern approach towards Hamilton’s history.
We had watched Fenton perform in Grease last year, but he really is phenomenal as Hamilton with his vocals, dancing and general swag. Billy Nevers (who played Aaron Burr) was a fantastic leading man with his vocal range and the depth of emotion, particularly during “The World Was Wide Enough”. I have to give a mention to Louis Maskell who played King George; the most unexpected comedic performance of the night, he was brilliantly hilarious. Eliza Hamilton (played by Roshani Abbey) has the most immaculate vocals and provided the raw emotion throughout, bringing the show to a dramatic close. We came away feeling such a mix of emotions, the sign of a brilliant night out.

I’m finding it difficult to highlight our favourite numbers as every one was memorable in telling the story, and vocals were always on point. My daughter especially loved “The Room Where is happens”, as it helped to build Burr’s motivations behind his anger towards Hamilton. For me, “My Shot”, “Satisfied” and “Ten Duel Commandments” are the ones that have lingered … but from the opening number I had a smile on my face, so it was a well deserved standing ovation from the entire audience during the finale.

We laughed, we cried and we really wished that we could look as cool as the performers on stage. This is a modern show that has everything, for all ages, and both my teen daughter and I agreed that it was one of the best musicals that we have watched together, and one that we would love to see again.

Stars: 5/5

The show runs from 28th January 2025 until 15th March 2025,and tickets are priced between £27.75 and £92.75.
You can purchase tickets here; www.bradford-theatres.co.uk