Hamilton - Victoria Palace Theatre

I was at the matinee today. It was my 10th visit to the show.

Karl and Simon were fantastic. I’ve seen many iterations of the male leads and this was my favourite by far I think.

I still got goosebumps.

I still cried.

By god it deserved its standing ovation.

It’s still looking good and fresh. Special shout the OG Kelly, absolutely bossing the choreo. Love that woman.

I am not sure whether DVDs sell enough copies these days to merit a release, sadly.

Cover-tastic today. Don’t know if Trevor is doing the Magic concert tomorrow so gets today off, but there were several covers on, depleting and meaning that the male ensemble didn’t shine quite as bright as normal. They have always been the tightest ensemble in the W/E before but bar one lad who was up to par, the rest were just a bit slack. Thankfully the ladies made up for it (Kelly Downing always reliably sharp and on point). Loved the new Angelica, and Karl Queensborough makes a great Hamilton. A full house today who literally roared after every song…so great to hear such enthusiasm, and loved my box experience. Fancy still being able to walk after 3 hours at the Victoria Palace? Its a Christmas miracle!!!

I watched Hamilton last night and obviously the cast has some significant illness or holiday as 5 principle characters were understudied/alternates. The characters out were Hamilton, Burr, Angelica, Washington and King George.

I don’t know if Tuesday night is the normal alternate night. We had Nuno Queimodo as Hamilton who was excellent and was filled with emotion making Hamilton seem lifelike unlike some portrayals. Jay Perry as Burr was the star of the night and he was perfect for the role with Lydia Frazer as Angelica taking one song to warm up then smashed Satisfied and the rest of the score. Also Aaron Lee Lambert has the perfect amount of gravitas and emotion. Peter Houston, second cover King George was struggling with the top note last night but picked up in the second note.

The audience around me seemed to agree that Sharon Rose as Eliza, like the majority of the cast was much better in Act 2 than Act 1. The ensemble works fire during the performance and stole moments frequently. The lyrics and lighting is really where the performance shines as there were some small sound and conductorial issues throughout. Also Emile Ruddock as Madison/Mulligan was absolutely fantastic with the other members of the ‘gang’ also being emotion filled and excellent showing contrast between their characters.

But the performance was still definitely 5 stars and special commendation to the cast with 5 understudies it must be an interesting experience.

Bit of drama this afternoon that I was there to witness. Poor Simon-Anthony Rhoden hopped off stage during the final chorus of Wait For It; it looked like something in either his knee or ankle had popped. Hope he’s okay.

The show seems in great shape on the whole… of the newest additions, Ava Brennan and Trevor Dion Nicholas are definitely the standouts. Sharon Rose’s Eliza really grows through Act 2.

My dad won the lottery for next Sunday - Two tickets in the front row stalls for a tenner each.

I saw this and went to book a ticket and then remembered I am going in January 

Cancelled tonight - must have had some very late in the day Covid issues as only just announced!

Much better to wait, from their (business) point of view. If it CAN go ahead, great - no need to refund a full house. They don't want to cancel now only for tests to come back negative, having lost all that lovely revenue for no reason. Customer service is pretty low on commercial theatre's list of priorities. If they have to cancel at the last minute again, "that's just the way it is, in a pandemic".

Or they're desperately calling up anyone who has ever been in the show :')

It could also be that some cast members are ill (but not with Covid)/on holiday, and they could easily be back tomorrow to fill an empty space that led to the cancellation.

Giles is back as Burr from tonight til 30th Jan.