Hamilton lives up to the hype with a dazzling evening of singing, rapping and dance

Very few musicals – or artistic productions of any kind – receive near-universal acclaim of the kind that has greeted Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton since it was unleashed on the world in New York just over a decade ago.

After success off and on Broadway, in the West End, across North America and in many other parts of the world, the touring production now at Norwich’s Theatre Royal has been impressing audiences – and, yet again, critics – since 2023.

Having opened on September 16 and running until October 25, the show has done brisk business at the box office in Norwich, and it’s easy to see why.

It blends historical interest, rapid-fire rapping, soaring choruses and dazzling choreography with moments of violence, sadness and comedy to form a mesmerising show.

The musical is based on a 2004 biography of Hamilton, who was born in the West Indies in 1755 or 1757 and who went on to become a Founding Father of the United States.

While Hamilton was white, the musical is known for giving his life story a twist by casting primarily black actors in the lead roles, a decision of particular relevance to a US audience, since it aimed to highlight the fact that the country’s history belongs to all of its present-day citizens.

This casting approach has been followed in his touring production, and it gels naturally with the musical numbers, many of which are rapped, albeit in a way that would not alienate those who typically would not consider themselves fans of rap.

What really strikes is the energy, especially in the first half of the show: one musical number – with high-energy dance routines – follows the next with barely a moment to catch breath in between.

Interludes come in the form of appearances by King George who, mostly on stage on his own, performs comedic numbers such as You’ll Be Back. These delightful songs contrast sharply with the rest of the show without feeling out of place.

Later on the musical takes some darker turns, notably with the death in a duel of Hamilton’s son Philip. But there is plenty more singing and dancing to balance out the melancholy moments.

The audience clearly loved this show, cheering at the end of many of the songs and giving a standing ovation as the cast took their final bows.

The appreciation is much deserved – Hamilton definitely lives up to its considerable hype.