Why Hamilton Became One of My Favourite Musicals – And Sparked Our Family’s Curiosity About American History

I didn’t expect to come home from London and watch the entire musical again just a few days later.

Editor’s Note

This article isn’t just a theatre review. It’s the story of how one birthday surprise turned into weeks of family conversations, music, history and curiosity. If you’ve ever wondered whether Hamilton is worth seeing live, I hope our experience helps you decide.

Even if you’ve never seen Hamilton, there’s a good chance you’ve heard someone quote one of its unforgettable lyrics. I’d certainly heard plenty about the musical over the years, but it wasn’t until our daughter Lillie discovered it on Disney+ that we finally understood what all the fuss was about.

From the very first song, we were hooked.

Lillie and I have always enjoyed rap music, so the blend of hip-hop, rap, R&B and traditional musical theatre felt fresh, and unlike anything I’d seen before. The soundtrack quickly became a favourite in our house, and although we’d watched the filmed stage production several times, I couldn’t help wondering whether seeing Hamilton live in London would live up to the hype.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long to find out.

As part of my 50th birthday celebrations, Simon surprised me with tickets to see Hamilton at London’s beautiful Victoria Palace Theatre. We spent the day exploring the capital together, walking more than 25,000 steps along the South Bank, through Covent Garden and across to Victoria before finishing with dinner at Pizza Express just a few minutes from the theatre.

By the time we took our seats, excitement was building. Around us, people were posing for photographs, proudly holding their programmes and chatting enthusiastically about the show they were about to see. It was clear we weren’t the only ones who had been counting down to this moment.

Some productions are entertaining for an evening before fading into happy memories.

Hamilton wasn’t one of them.

We left the theatre talking non-stop about the performances, the staging and the music, rushed across London to catch our train home, and just a few days later found ourselves sitting down as a family to watch the entire show all over again. Even now, the soundtrack accompanies me on car journeys, gym sessions and while I’m working at my desk.

What surprised me most, though, wasn’t just how much we loved the musical. It was the curiosity it sparked afterwards. Watching Hamilton made us want to know more about the real people behind the story, the history that inspired it and why this remarkable production continues to captivate audiences around the world.

If you’re wondering whether Hamilton is worth seeing live — especially if you’ve already watched it on Disney+ — here’s why I believe the answer is a resounding yes.

How Lillie Introduced Our Family to Hamilton

Like many parents of teenagers, I’ve discovered some of my favourite music, TV programmes and films through my children, and Hamilton is probably the best example of that.

It all started when Lillie stumbled across the filmed stage production on Disney+. She’d heard people talking about it online and was curious to see what made it so popular. Before long, she was encouraging the rest of us to sit down and watch it together.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

I’d heard Hamilton described as a musical told through rap, which sounded intriguing, but I couldn’t quite imagine how the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers could be transformed into something that had become a worldwide phenomenon.

Within minutes, though, I completely understood.

The opening number introduces Alexander Hamilton at such a pace that you have to pay attention from the very beginning, and from there the show barely pauses for breath. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I found myself completely drawn in by the clever storytelling, witty lyrics and unforgettable music.

Because Lillie and I have always enjoyed rap music, the soundtrack immediately appealed to us. It felt modern, energetic and completely different from the traditional musicals I’d grown up with. At the same time, the beautiful ballads added an emotional depth that balanced the faster-paced songs perfectly.

It’s one of the reasons I always smile when someone tells me they don’t think they’d enjoy Hamilton because they “don’t like rap music.”

In fact, that conversation came up only recently with my sister-in-law, Emma. When I suggested she’d love the show, her immediate response was that she wasn’t really a fan of rap. We explained that although rap plays a huge part in telling the story, Hamilton is so much more than that. Alongside the fast-paced lyrical numbers are some incredibly moving songs, including Burn and It’s Quiet Uptown, while King George’s comic performances bring moments of light relief throughout the production.

To prove the point, we played My Shot for Emma. Her immediate reaction surprised us. Rather than focusing on the rap, she said it reminded her of Rent. A quick search later confirmed that many people have noticed similarities in style, which only made me even more determined to add Rent to my ever-growing theatre wish list.

Looking back now, I’m so glad Lillie encouraged us to watch Hamilton when she did. Not only did it introduce us to one of my favourite musicals, but it also meant that by the time Simon surprised me with tickets to see it live in London, I already had favourite songs, favourite characters and a genuine excitement about finally experiencing it on stage.

I thought Hamilton would be a musical with rap. I didn’t expect it to become one of my favourite theatre experiences.

Our Day in London Before the Curtain Went Up

One of the things I love most about visiting London is that every trip feels a little different. Even if you’re heading there for a specific event, there’s always time to discover something new along the way.

Because our evening was centred around seeing Hamilton, Simon and I made the most of the rest of the day by exploring some of our favourite parts of the capital. It was a chance to slow down, enjoy each other’s company and celebrate my 50th birthday before the excitement of the theatre began.

By the end of the day, our watches were telling us we’d walked more than 25,000 steps.

We wandered along the South Bank, soaking up the atmosphere as people strolled beside the River Thames. From there we made our way through the bustling streets of Covent Garden, stopping occasionally for drinks and, thanks to the warm weather, a much-needed ice cream before continuing our walk towards Victoria.

It’s funny how you can visit the same part of London countless times and still discover somewhere completely new. Despite passing through Victoria on previous trips, I’d somehow never noticed the beautiful Victoria Palace Theatre before.

As theatre lovers, arriving early is all part of the experience. It gives you time to take in the surroundings, browse the programme and enjoy the buzz that builds before the auditorium doors open.

Before heading inside, we stopped for dinner at Pizza Express just a short walk from the theatre. It was the perfect choice for a relaxed pre-show meal, and looking back now I’m glad we allowed ourselves plenty of time rather than rushing. There’s something special about those moments beforehand when you’re chatting excitedly about what’s to come, especially when you’ve been looking forward to a show for months.

Walking into the Victoria Palace Theatre was an experience in itself. The building is absolutely stunning inside, and I was immediately struck by just how elegant it felt. Around us, people were taking photographs, comparing programmes and sharing their excitement with friends and family. There was a real sense that everyone knew they were about to experience something special.

Our seats, Stalls P23 and P24, couldn’t have been better. Positioned right beside the aisle, we had an excellent view of the stage, and I even discovered my seat was slightly wider than standard, making it especially comfortable. Simon, on the other hand, thought the upright seating was a little firmer than he’d have chosen, although neither of us gave it another thought once the lights dimmed.

As the auditorium gradually filled and conversations became quieter, there was that familiar feeling every theatre lover knows—the anticipation just before the curtain rises. We’d already fallen in love with Hamilton on Disney+, but neither of us knew whether seeing it performed live could possibly live up to our expectations.

It didn’t just meet them.

It exceeded every single one.

Did Hamilton Live Up to the Hype?

I’ll be honest—I went into the theatre with incredibly high expectations.

When a musical has won countless awards, attracted millions of fans around the world and continues to sell out years after its original opening, there’s always a small part of you that wonders whether it can possibly live up to the reputation.

For me, it absolutely did.

In fact, I’d go as far as saying it exceeded every expectation I had.

Although we’d already watched Hamilton several times on Disney+, nothing prepared me for the energy of seeing it performed live. From the opening moments, there was an electricity in the theatre that simply can’t be recreated at home. The orchestra, the choreography, the movement of the cast and the audience’s reactions all combined to create something that felt completely immersive.

One of the things I appreciated most was that, despite already knowing the story and many of the songs by heart, I still found myself noticing new details throughout the performance. The staging is so cleverly designed that your eye is constantly drawn to something different, whether it’s subtle choreography happening in the background or the way the ensemble helps tell the story without saying a word.

I also loved how the production balances humour with heartbreak.

Just when you’ve been laughing at King George’s wonderfully awkward entrances, the mood shifts to something deeply emotional. Songs like Burn and It’s Quiet Uptown were even more moving in the theatre than I’d expected, while Satisfied remains one of the cleverest pieces of storytelling I’ve ever seen on stage. The way the action rewinds to reveal Angelica’s perspective still amazes me every time I watch it.

Perhaps that’s what impressed me most about Hamilton. It isn’t simply a musical with great songs or talented performers. It’s a production where every element—music, choreography, lighting, staging and storytelling—works together so seamlessly that the three hours seem to disappear in the blink of an eye.

When the lights came up for the final applause, I turned to Simon and we both had exactly the same expression on our faces.

We’d just seen something very special.

Is Hamilton worth seeing in London?

Yes. If you’ve already enjoyed Hamilton on Disney+, seeing it live offers an entirely different experience thanks to the atmosphere, staging, choreography and performances.

The Performances That Stole the Show

One of the first things Simon and I talked about as we left the theatre wasn’t the story or even our favourite songs—it was the cast.

Every single performer brought something special to the production, but there were a handful of performances that have stayed with me ever since.

Without question, Yeukayi Ushe as Aaron Burr was outstanding.

Aaron Burr is a fascinating character because, unlike Alexander Hamilton’s bold and impulsive personality, Burr is patient, cautious and quietly ambitious. Yeukayi Ushe captured every side of that complexity beautifully. His vocals were exceptional, but it was his acting that really drew me in. Even when he wasn’t singing, his expressions and reactions told their own story, making it impossible to take your eyes off him.

Equally impressive was Stephenson Ardern-Sodje as Alexander Hamilton. Taking on such an iconic role can’t be easy, especially in a production with such a devoted fan base, but he brought incredible energy, charisma and emotion to every scene. From the determination of My Shot to the heartbreak of the final act, his performance never felt anything less than completely believable.

I’ve always loved Angelica’s character, and seeing Georgina Onuorah perform Satisfied live somehow made me appreciate the song even more. I’ve always thought the way the story rewinds to reveal Angelica’s perspective is one of the cleverest moments in musical theatre, and seeing it unfold on stage was every bit as impressive as I’d hoped.

Another performance that really stayed with me was Eliza. Her rendition of Burn was quietly devastating, while It’s Quiet Uptown remains one of the most emotional songs in the entire production. I glanced over at Simon during the Finale and noticed he was unusually quiet. Anyone who knows him will tell you he’s a big softie underneath it all, and by the end there were definitely a few tears in his eyes.

Of course, no discussion about Hamilton would be complete without mentioning King George.

Every time he appeared on stage, the audience erupted with laughter. His perfectly timed comedy provided just the right amount of relief between some of the musical’s more emotional moments, and his songs have become some of my favourites. It’s impossible not to smile during You’ll Be Back.

What impressed me most, though, was how perfectly the entire cast worked together. There wasn’t a weak performance anywhere. The ensemble wasn’t simply there to fill the stage—they became the heartbeat of the production, constantly creating movement, atmosphere and emotion around the principal characters.

Long after we’d left the theatre, Simon and I found ourselves replaying those performances in our minds, trying to decide who had been our favourite.

To this day, we still haven’t quite managed to agree.

The Music, the Staging and One Scene I’ll Never Forget

Before seeing Hamilton live, I’d often heard people describe it as one of the most innovative musicals ever written. After watching it from the stalls at the Victoria Palace Theatre, I completely understood why.

Of course, the music is extraordinary. I’d already spent months listening to the soundtrack on Spotify in the car, at home and even during gym sessions, so I knew exactly which songs I was looking forward to hearing live. Somehow, though, they felt even more powerful performed on stage.

My Shot was every bit as exhilarating as I’d hoped, while The Room Where It Happens had the audience completely captivated. I’ve always loved Satisfied, and seeing the story rewind live from Angelica’s perspective remains one of the cleverest pieces of theatre I’ve ever experienced. Even though I knew it was coming, I still found myself smiling as the choreography and timing unfolded perfectly in front of us.

Then there were the quieter moments.

Burn was heartbreakingly beautiful, while It’s Quiet Uptown created one of those rare moments in a theatre where the audience seems almost afraid to breathe. You could feel the emotion throughout the auditorium, and it’s easy to see why so many people consider it one of the most moving songs ever written for the stage.

As much as I loved the music, I found myself equally fascinated by the staging.

I’ve always been intrigued by how theatre productions transform a relatively simple set into so many different locations, and Hamilton does this brilliantly. Rather than relying on elaborate scenery changes, the production uses movement, lighting, choreography and a beautifully designed revolving stage to keep the story flowing almost seamlessly. It never feels distracting or overcomplicated; instead, everything works together to draw your attention exactly where it needs to be.

One moment has stayed with me more than any other.

Without giving too much away for anyone who hasn’t seen the show, there’s a scene towards the end involving a duel. As the trigger is pulled, time appears to slow almost to a standstill. One of the performers physically represents the bullet as it travels slowly across the stage while Alexander Hamilton reflects on the moments that have shaped his life.

It was breathtaking.

The simplicity of the idea, combined with the choreography, music and lighting, created one of the most powerful theatrical moments I’ve ever witnessed. It’s incredibly difficult to describe unless you’ve seen it for yourself, but it perfectly demonstrates why live theatre has an emotional impact that simply can’t be recreated on a television screen.

When people ask me what I loved most about Hamilton, it’s tempting to say the songs or the performances. In reality, it’s the way every creative element comes together so effortlessly. The music, choreography, staging, lighting and performances aren’t competing for your attention—they’re all working together to tell one unforgettable story.

That’s what makes Hamilton feel less like watching a musical and more like experiencing something you’ll still be thinking about long after you’ve left the theatre.

My Top 5 Hamilton Songs

If you ask me tomorrow, this list might change, but these are the songs I keep coming back to:

1. My Shot
2. Satisfied
3. The Room Where It Happens
4. Burn
5. It’s Quiet Uptown

Why Hamilton Stayed With Us Long After We Left the Theatre

People often ask whether a show is worth the money or whether it lives up to the hype. For me, I think the better question is this:

Does it stay with you after you’ve left the theatre?

If that’s the measure of a great musical, then Hamilton passed with flying colours.

As the audience rose to its feet for a well-deserved standing ovation, neither Simon nor I wanted the evening to end. Reality soon kicked in, though. We had just thirty minutes to make it from the Victoria Palace Theatre to St Pancras International for our train home.

There wasn’t time to linger.

We practically flew through the Underground, weaving between commuters and tourists, somehow managing to reach the platform with just seven minutes to spare before our train departed.

As we finally sank into our seats, slightly out of breath, we realised something.

We hadn’t talked about anything except Hamilton.

The conversation flowed naturally all the way home. We found ourselves replaying our favourite moments, trying to decide whether Aaron Burr or Alexander Hamilton had given the standout performance, laughing again about King George’s wonderfully timed comic appearances and marvelling at just how cleverly the production had been staged.

Every time we thought we’d settled on a favourite moment, one of us would remember another.

“The bullet scene…”

“No… Satisfied…”

“What about King George?”

“And The Room Where It Happens…”

It felt less like we’d watched a musical and more like we’d experienced something together that we couldn’t wait to relive.

As it turned out, we didn’t have to wait very long.

When we got home, Lillie was desperate to hear everything about the evening. Having introduced our family to Hamilton in the first place, she was more than a little jealous that she hadn’t been able to see it live in London with us. Ollie, meanwhile, wanted to understand what all the excitement was about.

So, just a few days later, we did something I’ve never done after seeing a stage production before.

We watched the entire musical again on Disney+.

Far from feeling repetitive, it gave us the chance to appreciate different things. Having seen the choreography unfold live, I noticed details I’d missed before. I found myself paying more attention to the performances, the staging and the lyrics, while Simon and I kept pausing to say, “Do you remember how they did this bit in the theatre?”

Even now, weeks later, the soundtrack is still part of my everyday life. Whether I’m driving, working or at the gym, My Shot, Satisfied and The Room Where It Happens regularly find their way onto my playlist.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all, though, was that Hamilton left us wanting to know more.

The musical doesn’t pretend to be a history lesson, but it does something arguably even more powerful—it sparks curiosity. Sitting in the theatre, and again when we watched it at home afterwards, I realised just how little I actually knew about the events surrounding America’s fight for independence or the real people behind the story.

Even the reactions of the American audience members sitting behind us made me curious. Every now and then they’d laugh at a line that seemed to carry an extra layer of meaning, and it made me realise there were historical references and cultural nuances that I’d completely missed.

Rather than feeling left out, it made me want to learn more.

For me, that’s the true mark of exceptional storytelling.

The best productions don’t simply entertain us for a few hours—they inspire us to keep asking questions long after the curtain has fallen.

Is Hamilton suitable for teenagers?

In my opinion, yes. Teenagers who enjoy music, theatre or history are likely to get the most from it, and watching together creates lots of opportunities for conversation afterwards.

Hamilton Inspired Us to Learn More About American History

Before watching Hamilton, I’ll be honest – my knowledge of American history was fairly limited.

Like many people in the UK, I recognised names such as George Washington and knew that America had fought for independence from Britain, but beyond that my understanding was patchy at best. I certainly didn’t know who Alexander Hamilton was or the role he played in shaping the United States.

That’s one of the things I loved most about the musical.

Rather than making history feel like a list of names and dates from a school textbook, Hamilton transforms real people into believable, complicated characters. It celebrates their achievements without pretending they were perfect and explores the friendships, rivalries and personal sacrifices behind some of the most significant moments in American history.

Of course, it’s important to remember that Hamilton is a work of musical theatre, not a documentary. Some events are condensed, timelines are altered and creative licence is used to tell a compelling story. In many ways, though, that’s part of its success.

Instead of claiming to tell us everything, it encourages us to ask questions.

Who was Alexander Hamilton really?

How accurate are the events portrayed in the musical?

What happened to Aaron Burr after the duel?

Did Angelica Schuyler really have the relationship with Hamilton that the musical suggests?

Those were exactly the sorts of conversations Simon and I found ourselves having after we got home.

What fascinated me even more was listening to the reactions of the American audience members sitting behind us during the performance. Every so often they’d laugh at a line or quietly react to a historical reference that completely passed me by. Rather than feeling I’d missed out, it made me realise there were layers to the story that I’d love to understand better.

That’s one of the reasons I think Hamilton is such a brilliant experience for families, particularly those with older children and teenagers.

You don’t have to leave the theatre knowing every historical fact. In many ways, it’s more exciting if you don’t. The musical opens the door to conversations that can continue long after you’ve arrived home, whether that’s looking up the real history together, listening to the soundtrack again or simply talking about the characters who made the biggest impression on you.

As a parent, I love anything that sparks curiosity. We spend so much time encouraging our children to ask questions and explore the world around them, and sometimes the most unexpected experiences become the best learning opportunities.

For us, Hamilton wasn’t the end of the story.

It was the beginning of a new interest in the remarkable history that inspired it.

If you’re anything like us, you might find yourself wanting to separate historical fact from artistic licence once the final curtain falls. Here are a few places I’d recommend starting:

• The Library of Congress has free articles and original historical documents about Alexander Hamilton and the founding of the United States.
• The National Archives is another excellent source if you’d like to explore America’s founding documents.
• Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, which inspired the musical, is ideal if you’re keen to delve deeper.
• If you’re looking for something more accessible for younger readers, there are several child-friendly books and educational resources that introduce the American Revolution in a fun and engaging way.

A Family Activity Inspired by Hamilton

While I was still reading about Alexander Hamilton and the American Revolution, I happened to receive an email from the team behind the Tuttle Twins sharing a recipe from their America’s History Book. The timing couldn’t have been better.

Although I haven’t made these Continental Cookies myself yet, I loved the idea behind them. Rather than simply baking together, families are encouraged to talk about how each ingredient represents different people contributing to something bigger—much like the ideas explored throughout Hamilton.

I thought it was such a lovely way to continue the conversations that the musical had already started in our own family, so I’m delighted to share the recipe below with permission.

Continental Cookies Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour 

1 tablespoon baking powder 

1 tablespoon baking soda 

1.5 tsp ground cinnamon 

1 teaspoon salt

1.5 cups butter (room temp) 

1.5 cups granulated sugar 

1.5 cups light brown sugar 

3 large eggs 

1 tablespoon real vanilla 

3 cups rolled oats 

2 cups flaked coconut sweet 

1.5 cups butterscotch chips

Recommended extras: 2 cups chopped pecans 1.5 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips

MAKE THEM!
Preheat the oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the sugars and continue to beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until combined. With a wooden spoon or large rubber spatula stir in the chocolate chips, oats, coconut, and pecans.

For each cookie, using a 1/3 measuring cup to scoop out dough, drop dough onto the baking sheets. You can fit 6 on a half sheet sized pan. Gently press cookies a few times to flatten them down a bit so they will bake evenly. Bake until the edges are set and slightly golden, but the middles still look light and puffy, about 12 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. Cool cookies for 2-3 minutes on trays, remove and cool completely on wire racks. The later batches may bake in less time-watch them carefully! Yields about 3 dozen.

Final Words

When Simon surprised me with tickets for my 50th birthday, I thought he was giving me a wonderful evening in London. What he actually gave me was one of my favourite theatre experiences, a soundtrack I’ll probably listen to for years, and a new curiosity about a chapter of history I’d never expected to find so fascinating.

For me, that’s the true magic of Hamilton.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton