Last Tuesday, 30 excited Year 9 students visited the Victoria Palace Theatre to watch Hamilton.
Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and helped shape the very foundations of the America we know today. The score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway.
On arrival each student received a complimentary programme, and after the show was treated to a technical demonstration of the lighting and set design, as well as finding out how the cast perform ‘quick changes’ backstage with the wardrobe team. There was also a Q&A session with the cast, crew and creative team, where students learned about the various roles in theatre ranging from the front of house team, to the sound engineer, stage managers, wardrobe assistants, musicians, conductor, actors and dancers etc. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the inner workings of an award-winning stage production, and understand the variety of careers available in the performing arts industry.
Some comments from our students:
“I thought Hamilton was really amazing, I’ve never been to a musical before so it was a truly wonderful experience. I am so glad I got the chance to go as I had a really fun time and enjoyed everything from the music and dance to the set design!” Emilia, 9D
“I loved meeting the actors and everybody backstage. I think often we forget that there is so much more behind what we see, it was a great opportunity to find out the many other roles that help to produce the final production!” Jada, 9B
“I liked was the lighting and all the stage props, when they showed all the tricks and cool things they could do with lighting, sound and props I was truly amazed by it all” Dixie, 9A
“The Hamilton trip was an amazing show to watch and held many important messages about not waiting for your shot in the real world but taking it by force.” Aaliyah, 9N
“I really enjoyed Hamilton, the songs and dance were amazing!
Being able to listen to the cast and behind the scenes at the end really helped to fully understand what a show job includes and how it was all put together to create such a vivid and fun experience.” Helena, 9N
