Hamilton Lands in Plymouth: Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Revolutionary Musical
By Bracken Jelier
“The plan is to fan this spark into a flame…”
If you’ve heard the hype about Hamilton but never quite known what all the fuss is about — now’s your chance to find out. From 30 July to 6 September, the global theatrical phenomenon lands at Theatre Royal Plymouth for a six-week run. And yes — tickets are still available.
Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton isn’t just a musical — it’s a bold reimagining of history. Set to a score that fuses hip-hop, R&B, jazz and classic Broadway, the show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers. But it does so in a way that feels alive, urgent and completely of the moment.
Whether you’re a die-hard theatre fan or just fancy a night out that makes you feel something — Hamilton delivers.
A Story of Ambition, Legacy, and Love
At its heart, Hamilton is a story about a young immigrant who rises up through grit, intellect and sheer force of will. Alexander Hamilton starts life as a penniless orphan and becomes George Washington’s right-hand man, shapes the financial system, and leaves a complicated but undeniable legacy.
The show is packed with ambition, betrayal, loyalty, love, and heartbreak. These aren’t dusty textbook characters — they’re people you connect with. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably find yourself quoting lyrics for weeks afterwards.
From Hamilton’s stormy friendship with Aaron Burr to his romance with Eliza Schuyler and the flirtatious spark with her sister Angelica, the show explores the complexities of human connection and the impact one life can have on the world.
A Cast That Brings It All to Life
Taking on the lead role of Alexander Hamilton is Marley Fenton, fresh from winning Best Supporting Male Actor in a Musical at the 2024 Black British Theatre Awards. His performance is magnetic — full of urgency, charm, and vulnerability.
He’s joined by Billy Nevers as Aaron Burr, a character torn between envy and admiration. Nevers has wowed audiences in & Juliet, Groundhog Day, and Legally Blonde — and he brings Burr to life with compelling intensity.
Casey Al-Shaqsy plays Eliza Hamilton, showcasing both strength and tenderness in a role that highlights the emotional core of the story. Meanwhile, Chasity Crisp returns from the German-language production to play Angelica Schuyler, reprising her role with the grace and wit that made her a standout in Europe.
The cast also includes powerhouse talents like Ashley J. Daniels (Lafayette/Jefferson), Naomi Katiyo (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Shak Mancel James (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton), and Louis Maskell (King George). With a mix of West End stars and fresh faces, the ensemble brings relentless energy and emotional depth to every scene.
Why Hamilton Resonates — Even Here, Even Now
Though set in 18th-century America, Hamilton feels completely contemporary. It’s not just the music — though the score is undeniably brilliant. It’s the themes: ambition, loss, forgiveness, legacy. These are universal.
Love, for instance, is central — from Hamilton and Eliza’s romance, to the complicated relationships between parents and children, friends and rivals. So is grief. Nearly every major character experiences loss, shaping their choices and revealing their resilience.
Forgiveness also plays a pivotal role — especially Eliza’s journey after Hamilton’s betrayal. It’s raw and moving, and might just stay with you long after the curtain falls.
And then there’s ambition — a double-edged sword that drives Hamilton’s meteoric rise, but also his downfall. The show explores what it means to chase greatness, and what you risk losing along the way.
Who Tells Your Story?
The show’s signature lyric — “Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?” — sums up its deeper message. Hamilton is about legacy: how we’re remembered, and who gets to write history.
It’s also about representation. The cast is predominantly Black and global majority artists, rewriting the narrative of America’s Founding Fathers with an inclusive, modern lens. Miranda’s lyrics make the past feel familiar — not because it’s simplified, but because it’s human.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
The talent behind Hamilton is just as extraordinary as what you see on stage. Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote the book, music, and lyrics. Thomas Kail directs. Andy Blankenbuehler choreographs. Alex Lacamoire supervises the music and orchestrations.
Their collaboration has earned the show 11 Tony Awards®, a Grammy Award, and a Pulitzer Prize — not to mention a devoted global fanbase.
Set design by David Korins, costumes by Paul Tazewell, and lighting by Howell Binkley make the production visually stunning. And the sound, by Nevin Steinberg, ensures every word hits home.
But… Is It Historically Accurate?
Mostly. But Hamilton is theatre — not a documentary. It condenses and dramatises events for emotional clarity. Some historical details are glossed over (like Hamilton’s links to slavery, or Angelica Schuyler’s actual family status), and some are rearranged for storytelling purposes.
That said, the show sparks curiosity. You’ll likely leave wanting to know more — and that’s part of its magic. It makes history personal.
Why You Should Go (Even If You Think It’s Not Your Thing)
Never seen a musical? Not a history buff? Hate hip-hop? Still go. Hamilton is that rare show that cuts across genres and tastes. It’s funny, smart, emotional, and completely absorbing. You’ll get wrapped up in the music, the characters, and the energy of the live performance.
It’s also a chance to witness something culturally defining — a piece of theatre that has changed what musicals can be.
You don’t have to love ‘Broadway’ to love Hamilton. You just have to be human.
What’s Next?
Hamilton runs at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 30 July to 6 September. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this iconic show with an extraordinary cast right here in Plymouth.
