Hamilton is a masterpiece. Its creator – Lin-Manuel Miranda – a genius. This review could simply stop at ‘10/10, no notes’.
But there is so much more to say about this revolutionary, record-breaking musical, which has secured shelves full of awards and dazzled tens of millions of audience members across the globe.
It follows the life of Alexander Hamilton and his fellow Founding Fathers, through the American Revolutionary War to the creation of America’s economic system (there’s a reason his face is on the $10 bill).
Lin-Manuel Miranda has taken politics, a pen, and a piano, and struck gold.
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This is a stage experience with very few frills – the set barely changes, and most of the cast members wear the same beige costumes throughout – and yet the talent on stage, and the fast-paced sung-spoken script will whisk you through three decades in a little under three hours and in what feels like the blink of an eye.
Despite earning its place as arguably the biggest musical in the world, I walk into Hamilton a complete novice. I’ve completely avoided spoilers (although can we really call them ‘spoilers’ when the production is centred on events that happened literal centuries ago). I’ve dodged the Disney+ streams, swerved the Spotify soundtrack, swiped past any Hamilton TikToks, and gone into the Palace Theatre blind. I wanted to experience the whole thing for the first time in the way that Miranda intended – in the room where it happens.
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Maya Britto, Aisha Jawando and Gabriela Benedetti as The Schuyler sisters in Hamilton. Credit: Danny KaanDaniel Boys as King George in Hamilton, which is in Manchester until 2024. Credit: Danny Kaan
People warned me that I should have done my homework, and while a loose understanding of America’s founding fathers is useful, and you’ll need to have your wits about you to keep up with the ferociously fast pace of the spoken word dialogue, it’s impossible not to be swept away by Hamilton even if the plot does slip away from you.
These are songs – ‘My Shot’, ‘Helpless’, ‘Say No To This’ – so brilliant you actually want to listen to them away from the theatre, songs which weave back throughout the story of Hamilton so that by the second act they feel like familiar friends.
Of the touring cast in Manchester, Shaq Taylor is astonishing in the lead role of Hamilton, while Billy Nevers nails his split role between Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson through charisma and comic timing.
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Maya Britto as Eliza Hamilton is another star, who whips from sweet, hopeful bride to fierce independent woman, the transformation brought to life in a staggering rendition of ‘Burn’.
The full touring company of Hamilton in Manchester. Credit: Danny KaanShaq Taylor as Hamilton. Credit: Danny Kaan
I can’t help but wonder if we’d all be a little more engaged with modern-day politics if there was an element of hip-hop to it – if parliamentary debates took place as rap battles. Although, we’ve all seen Theresa May’s sense of rhythm, so maybe not…
Hamilton has arrived in Manchester in a cloud of the largest hype I can remember in decades, and let it be known – it’s here to Blow Us All Away.
Hamilton is at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 24 February 2024 – you can book tickets here.
Chicago the Musical razzles (and dazzles) at the Palace Theatre in Manchester
Clementine Hall
A story of murder, greed and corruption was performed with style, ease and flair; Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history, and it’s easy to see why now that it’s arrived in Manchester.
The jazz-fuelled fiasco is filled with catchy songs that you can’t help but click along to, funny one-liners, and likeable characters such as Miss Roxy Hart herself.
Best-known for appearing as Kate Connor in Coronation Street, the opening night in Manchester on Chicago‘s UK tour may have been a daunting prospect, but it’s one Faye Brookes pulled off seamlessly.
Here’s our full review…
Image: Press Images (Supplied)
Brookes is fantastically expressive and brings new energy to a classic, complemented throughout by a sultry cast dressed in buckles and mesh that really bring the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ to the stage.
Her co-star, Strictly Come Dancing‘s Kevin Clifton, struts through the show transformed into Billy Flynn – a flamboyant 1920s American lawyer who has the desperate inmates in the palm of his hand.
The opening number, ‘All That Jazz’, is spearheaded by Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and she does it brilliantly.
Image: Supplied
The cast slink their way across the stage with Scott at the forefront, who undoubtedly delivers a faultless performance and complements Brookes as Roxie Hart perfectly.
A highlight of course included the hilarious‘Cell Block Tango’, the audience were laughing along as the women sang the stories of their murderous deeds whilst performing sharp and sultry choreography.
Not even a toe out of place.
Image: Supplied
The set is minimalist, dark and simple, but is simply brought to life by the wonderful expression and lively musical numbers performed on stage by the live band.
The live band sits on a staircase centre stage and their playful use of instruments throughout is truly impressive.
Neil MacDonald, the show’s musical director, even got involved with a few on-stage conversations which was a fabulous touch that made the show feel bespoke to us.
Other notable performances included Brenda Edwards as Mamma Morton, whose powerhouse voice left the audience in absolute awe, and Joshua Lloyd as ‘Mister Cellophane’ caused a couple of pitiful “awws” from the auditorium.
Overall, this was a fantastic production of the Broadway classic – the standing ovation at the end proves I wasn’t the only one who thought that too.
Chicago the Musical is playing at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday, 9 November and you can grab your last-minute tickets HERE.
Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets, has landed in Manchester and it’s a must-see
Eva Claricoates
When the English National Ballet is in Manchester, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t let slip by, and is almost guaranteed to be one of the most stunning performances to grace the stage– Giselle at the Palace Theatre certainly was.
Giselle tells the story of a young peasant girl, who falls in love with Albrecht, a duke, who pretends to be a peasant in order to seduce the show’s namesake.
Albrecht is not only hiding his status but also an engagement to another. When Giselle finds out about his deception, she descends into madness and dies from a broken heart.
Giselle is summoned from the dead by spirits, the Wilis, all abandoned and betrayed before their wedding day. The Wilis take their revenge by dancing men to death, and Giselle must decide whether her love for Albrecht is too strong to sentence him to the same fate.
Credit: The Manc Group
Giselle tells a story of grief, heartbreak, and love, and how a true heart always avails. Hauntingly beautiful and romantic, Mary Skeaping’s production had been tenderly revived from its original performance, and it’s clear to see why the performance received five-star reviews earlier this year.
The entire production was captivating and dramatic, leaving the audience gasping, laughing and firmly glued to their seats. Adolphe Adam’s score is performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic nestled beneath the stage, which compliments the performance beautifully and skilfully.
Perhaps the most mesmerising point of the performance was the Wilis appearing in the forest at the beginning of act two, as they formed perfectly symmetrical formations, and appeared to almost float across the stage.
It served as a great medium for exploring themes of the supernatural exquisitely, providing truly stunning imagery to the audience.
Giselle uses mime to convey its storyline to the audience, and even if you are a first-time ballet-goer, it’s an easy-to-follow, modern performance which can be enjoyed by all audiences. If you’re so inclined, you can even get involved in a dedicated ballet masterclass.
Join our Creative Learning team and English National Ballet on Saturday 2 November for an exclusive ballet masterclass at the Palace Theatre! 🩰
This workshop is suitable for ages 11-17 with a keen interest in dance ranging up to intermediate levels.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd November 2023 
