Over 2,000 people are on the edge of their seats, the lights dim, the opening notes ring out, and suddenly you’re transported into the ‘room where it happens’ – the revolutionary world of the 1770s, early in the American Revolution. After captivating audiences across the globe, I had the pleasure of watching the Hamilton UK and Ireland tour at Liverpool’s magnificent Empire Theatre.
Theatre, like travel, has the power to transport you to different worlds, different times, and different perspectives. Liverpool audiences have the extraordinary opportunity to witness Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical that redefined what Broadway could be.
The return of a revolutionary musical
Hamilton’s journey to the Liverpool Empire Theatre represents a significant moment for UK theatre enthusiasts. This isn’t just any touring production – it’s a carefully crafted adaptation that maintains all the raw energy and innovative storytelling that made the original Broadway show a cultural phenomenon.
The musical first took London by storm at the Victoria Palace Theatre, where it ran for several successful years before embarking on this extensive UK and Ireland tour. This touring production brings the same calibre of talent, staging, and musical arrangements that made Hamilton a household name, but packages it for venues across the country.
What makes this tour particularly special is its accessibility. West End runs don’t only often require high ticket prices, but the additional transport and potential accommodation costs can easily make this experience unachievable, particularly for theatre-enthusiasts in the north. The Liverpool production brought this world-class entertainment directly to local audiences to experience the magic without the London price tag.
Being the largest two-tier auditorium in the UK, Empire Theatre provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate yet grand storytelling from a production like Hamilton. You can feel the energy bouncing off the historic walls, creating an atmosphere that’s both electric and intimate.
Cast performances
The touring cast of Hamilton UK delivers performances that are nothing short of spectacular. Each actor brings their own interpretation to these well-known roles while maintaining the essence that makes each character memorable and complex.
Alexander Hamilton - Marley Fenton
Marley Fenton, who previously played the iconic role of Danny Zuko in Grease the Musical UK and Ireland tour, commands the stage with remarkable energy. With the task of living up to Shaq Taylor’s incredible performance in the previous UK tour, Marley didn’t fail to make the role his own. At the same time, he navigated Hamilton’s vulnerability and ambition throughout the show, delivering a fresh performance as if we were witnessing the historical events unfold for the first time.
Aaron Burr - Billy Nevers
The incredible Billy Nevers, a UK fan favourite, returned to the UK and Ireland tour, but this time with the challenge of playing the role of Aaron Burr (sir). Despite being well-known for his perfected portrayal of the iconic role of Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Nevers seamlessly adapted to such a contrasting and demanding role.
Nevers brought a gentle, almost understated vocal quality to Burr as his soft voice commanded songs like ‘Wait for It’ and ‘Dear Theodosia’ with exceptional power and emotional storytelling. His portrayal added a subtle flamboyance to Burr – a personal flourish that felt fresh yet fully grounded in the character, making the role his own.
Ensemble
The ensemble cast deserves particular praise for their versatility and energy. These performers seamlessly transition between multiple roles, time periods, and musical styles, creating a living, breathing world around the principal characters. Their choreography is sharp, their harmonies are tight, and their commitment to each moment is absolute.
Schuyler Sisters
No Hamilton review would be complete without mentioning the iconic Schuyler Sisters. Casey Al-Shaqsy (Eliza), Sylvie Stenson (Angelica), and Naomi Katiyo (Peggy and Maria Reynolds) were a standout trio, each bringing their own vocal brilliance and characterful flair to the stage.
Stenson delivered Angelica’s ‘Satisfied’ with striking emotion and control, while Al-Shaqsy gave Eliza a quiet strength and warmth that resonated deeply with the audience. Katiyo brought playful charm as Peggy before sipping seamlessly into the sultry presence of Maria Reynolds. The trio were perfectly in sync, harmonising effortlessly and capturing the heart, wit, and energy of the Schuyler sisters with style.
Hercules Mulligan - KM Drew Boateng
KM Drew Boateng returned to the UK and Ireland tour, reprising his role as Hercules Mulligan (a personal favourite of mine) and James Madison. Boateng certainly hadn’t lost his infectious energy, comedic timing, and commanding presence, which he was known for on the last tour. His moment to shine came during “Yorktown” where his explosive delivery captivated the audience and elevated the number into one of the show’s best highlights. Boateng embodies Mulligan’s boldness and swagger in every line and sequence, perfectly celebrating the revolutionary spirit of the role.
Special mention to Richard Logun and Sylvie Stenton, who were the stand-ins for John Laurens and Angelica Schuyler.
Atmosphere and audience connection
There’s a reason why I love visiting the Empire Theatre, and the audience’s electric response after the opening number represents why. You could feel the collective intake of breath during the quieter, more intimate moments, and the thunderous applause after each major musical number.
What struck us most was the diversity of the audience. Families with teenagers, older theatre enthusiasts, young couples on date nights, and groups of friends all came together to experience this story. Hamilton’s appeal transcends traditional demographic boundaries, and seeing that reflected in the Liverpool Empire audience was truly heartwarming.
The standing ovation at the end felt completely organic and well-deserved. As the cast took their bows, you could see genuine emotion on their faces – they knew they’d delivered something special, and the audience’s response confirmed it.
Musical and visual standouts
Several moments throughout the evening deserve specific recognition for their artistic excellence and emotional impact.
Marley Fenton infused the production with a playful charm and sharp comedic timing, consistently drawing laughs and engagement from the audience. Standout moments included his witty delivery in “Farmer Refuted” and the nuanced performance in “Say No to This,” where his character’s complexity began to shine. Fenton struck an impressive balance of breaking the fourth wall just enough to connect with the audience, while never sacrificing the authenticity of his performance. His ability to layer humour with emotional vulnerability added a refreshing depth to the show.
If the innovative storytelling in Hamilton could be categorised by one routine, it would be my personal favourite, “Satisfied.” This scene showcases the production’s clever use of time and perspective through carefully choreographed routines, sound, and lighting. Watching the story rewind and replay from Angelica’s point of view is always a treat, and this time round was no different. The Liverpool show was technically impressive and emotionally devastating, while Sylvie Stenson’s vocals captivated the audience as she effortlessly told the story of Angelica’s longing for Hamilton.
The finale, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” was a powerful and fitting conclusion to the production. Casey Al-Shaqsy embraced the challenging role of closing the show with remarkable poise, delivering a performance that was both vocally commanding and emotionally resonant. Through her heartfelt portrayal, she illuminated Eliza’s legacy, allowing the audience to feel the weight and importance of a story too often overlooked in history.
Final thoughts
Hamilton is far more than just entertainment – it’s a cultural phenomenon that sparks thought, stirs emotion, and ignites excitement in audiences of all backgrounds. The UK and Ireland tour cast and crew have more than done justice to the original, delivering a production marked by razor-sharp choreography, captivating performances, and technical brilliance that’s visually breathtaking.
What makes this tour truly special is its ability to honour the roots of Hamilton while infusing it with its own distinctive energy and character. The result is a fresh yet faithful take on a modern classic. Whether you’re already planning to catch it at one of its upcoming stops or still on the fence, I can say with confidence: this production more than lives up to its extraordinary reputation.
Find all information regarding dates, cast, and venues on the Hamilton UK and Ireland Tour official website.
