REVIEW - HAMILTON | LIVERPOOL EMPIRE | 21/05/2025

Hamilton at the Liverpool Empire – A Groundbreaking Musical Masterpiece

Since it first hit the stage, Hamilton has become nothing short of a theatrical revolution. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this boundary-pushing musical reshaped what modern theatre could sound and feel like — blending rap, hip-hop, and soaring melodies with a gripping historical narrative. Now, a decade after its Broadway debut, Hamilton is still packing out theatres across the globe, and its UK tour brings all that energy, urgency, and lyrical fire to the Liverpool Empire.

Whether you know every lyric by heart or are brand new to the story of Alexander Hamilton, nothing quite prepares you for the impact of seeing it live. With a diverse cast, bold storytelling choices, and a relentless pace that mirrors the ambition of its title character, this is a show that refuses to play it safe — and that’s exactly why it continues to resonate.

At its core, Hamilton tells the immigrant success story of Alexander Hamilton, an orphaned Caribbean teen who rises through sheer grit and intellect to become a Founding Father of the United States. The musical captures his whirlwind journey from scholarship student to fiery revolutionary and influential statesman, while also laying bare his human flaws — his stubbornness, impetuousness, and scandalous personal life. The narrative is propelled by Hamilton’s complex relationship with Aaron Burr, his cautious and calculating rival, and explores the fierce loyalty, love, and betrayal among the iconic Schuyler sisters. The story races by in a torrent of words and emotions, painting history as a vivid, pulse-pounding drama.

David Korins’ innovative set design is a triumph of simplicity and function — a two-level wooden and brick structure that becomes everything from battlefield to ballroom, enhanced by lighting that mirrors the show’s emotional landscape. One moment drenched in blood-red for tragedy, the next playfully washed in blues for lyrical wit. The choreography is a mesmerising fusion of ballet, hip-hop, and storytelling, where every chair, table, and barrel becomes a vital piece of the narrative. Costume-wise, the show strikes a perfect balance between period detail and modern flair — breeches, corsets, and waistcoats with a fresh twist, making history feel immediate and relatable. And the music? It’s a living, breathing force. Each rap, each ballad, each rapid-fire lyric is delivered with precision and passion, drawing you into the heart of the story and the soul of its characters.

Marley Fenton commands the stage as Alexander Hamilton, effortlessly embodying the character’s youthful fire and mature complexity with magnetic presence and flawless delivery. Billy Nevers’ Aaron Burr is a revelation — his soulful voice and nuanced performance perfectly capture Burr’s quiet ambition and simmering jealousy. Casey Al-Shaqsy’s Eliza Hamilton brings warmth and strength, taking us on an emotional journey from innocence to resilience. Sylvie Stenson’s Angelica Schuyler dazzles with wit and vocal power, while KM Drew Boateng’s dual role as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison injects humour and gravitas in equal measure. Jonathan Hermosa-Lopez energises the stage as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, and the ever-charismatic Louis Maskell delights as King George, eliciting raucous laughter with his impeccably timed comic turns. The entire ensemble pulses with energy, making every scene crackle with life.

Hamilton is not just a musical — it’s a cultural tour de force that demands to be experienced live. It challenges, educates, and enthrals with its electric fusion of history and hip-hop, its razor-sharp storytelling, and its powerhouse performances.Whether you’re a history buff, a musical theatre fan, or someone who just loves to be moved by extraordinary art, Hamilton at the Liverpool Empire will leave you breathless and buzzing long after the final curtain falls. This is theatre at its most exhilarating — bold, fresh, and unforgettable.

🎤 Prepare to be hooked from “Alexander Hamilton” to the last heartbeat of “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.”⭐ This is more than a show; it’s a legacy.

Hamilton is at Liverpool Empire until Saturday 7th June 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Danny Kaan