Hamilton at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh

Having tried to watch the filmed version on two occasions, and failing, I wasn't convinced that Hamilton would be for me.

How wrong I was!

This has to be one of the most exciting, technically brilliant, beautifully staged productions I have ever seen, with everyone performing with such conviction and energy I couldn't quite believe what was in front of me.

My initial problem had been the fact that the dialogue is mostly delivered as rap, I couldn't always understand what was being said. That's still the case and confirmed fans of the show suggest reading the available script beforehand or seeing the film through on Disney+.

But, to be honest, the level of performance was so high that my lack of understanding didn't detract. I could still follow the story of the Caribbean orphan who was sent to North America through charity and became one of the most powerful men in America at the time of its independence. Instead I marvelled at everyone's faultless, super fast delivery. In fact, I got caught up in the rhythm of it all.

Every member of the company, headed by Shaq Taylor in the title role, deserves to be congratulated, but particularly memorable for me is Aisha Jawando's powerful singing voice as Angelica and, although he only appears three or four times throughout the show, Daniel Boys as the waspish KIng George reigned over the production with his comedic prowess.

Because this production is so perfect and the choreography in particular so precise, it's no surprise to find that there's a whole raft of associate, resident and deputy directors, choreographers, set designers and costume associates from both the US and the UK. Believe me, this is a huge production on every scale and, now having seen it, I understand why it has attracted so much (well deserved) praise.

Image: Danny Kaan

@captheatres #HamiltonMusical.

Hamilton is at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh until April 27

Box office: 0131 529 6000

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