Hamilton at Birmingham Hippodrome Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Chelsea
An absolute masterpiece of a show from every angle you can possibly view it from. If you haven’t been to see Hamilton yet, or even if you have, make sure you get your tickets to the UK Tour while it’s in Birmingham!
It’s the first production I have been to in a very long time where every word is sung (or rapped). The story is laid out immaculately, depicting a period in time I previously knew very little about – the Revolutionary war in America; of how an immigrant became George Washington’s right-hand man, then helped shape the country following the war.
Hamilton’s life is depicted through the views of those around him, as well as himself, showing where contradictions in History stem from. Including some rather comedic inputs from England’s King George ||| (otherwise known as the ‘Mad King’). It’s been produced in such a different style to what was previously known of theatre, especially those depicting great wars and moments of significant history. Utilising hip-hop, rap, blues and jazz within that classic Broadway style of singing, provides another dimension to enjoy theatre (and to unashamedly enjoy listening to the soundtrack after).
You walk in to an open stage – all wooden, multi-levelled, rustic. Throughout the performance, furniture props are all gracefully moved through performances by the cast, no stops for set changes in this amazing show. There is a moving section of the stage itself, to allow the cast movement without moving from their position on stage, or to create those moments from the character’s perspective where it feels as though everything is moving around you, yet you are completely still. The lighting changes really aid in the setting of scenes, and never distract from the performance in front of you.
Each and every cast member was incredible – all choreography was just seamless, the emotions displayed, the body language depicted, you felt it all. Then you add their outstanding voices; absolutely remarkable, powerhouse vocals that draw you in entirely. Subtle costume changes are made throughout; changes in coats symbolising changing roles, times, and even life or death.
I laughed, I cried, I felt joy, suspense, betrayal, grief. I heard those sat around me go through these waves of emotion, also. I have no doubt that these songs won’t be going around my mind constantly now. The performance was 2 hours 50 minutes (including a short interval), but at no time throughout were you wanting to check the time, or wondering how far through you were, you were just immersed. These are the marks of an outstanding performance by an incredibly talented production team, and an absolutely extraordinary cast. I genuinely cannot recommend this show enough.
If you haven’t already guessed, I LOVED this show; 5/5!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets start from £28 and can be bought here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/hamilton/#performances
Hamilton is at Birmingham Hippodrome from 24th June to August 31st. There are a number of accessible performances, call the box office for more information on 0844 338 5000 (please note calls cost 4.5p per minute plus usual charge rate).
The theatre is located a 6 minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station: Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B5 4TB
Something that I think is truly incredible of Birmingham Hippodrome, is their unwavering commitment to their community, they have a studio for upcoming artists, and a programme to allow schools to attend theatre shows, amongst others.