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How long does Hamilton go for?
Guide to seeing Hamilton in Melbourne
The Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize winning musical Hamilton is one of the best theatre shows to see in Melbourne right now. Here’s everything you need to know to have a wonderful experience at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The smash-hit from Broadway has finally reached Melbourne’s premiere theatre scene. Hamilton, one of the most awarded musicals of all time, is showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne for a limited run.
Following the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the decorated musical is told through modern music forms such as rap, hip-hop, and R&B.
Taking over seven years to compose, it first premiered on Broadway in 2015, before heading to some of the world’s most famous theatre districts including Chicago and London, plus a US national tour. After a sell-out run in Sydney, the Australian leg marks the acclaimed musical’s first run in the southern hemisphere.
Here’s your complete guide to seeing Hamilton live on stage in Melbourne. RACV Members can enjoy a whole new suite of benefits, with exclusive offers to access a range of theatre experiences and events in Melbourne’s famed East End.
'Believe the hype.' Hamilton is one of the most awarded musicals of all time. Image: Daniel Boud
Everything you need to know to see Hamilton in Melbourne
What is Hamilton about?
Hamilton bills itself as ‘the story of America then, told by America now’. Adapted from Ron Chernow’s biography of the same name by award-winning actor, composer, filmmaker and playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, it follows the life of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
Born into poverty in the Caribbean in 1755 and educated in New York as a teenager, Alexander Hamilton grew to be a US soldier and lieutenant colonel during the American War of Independence, before becoming one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America and the first US Secretary of the Treasury.
Rather than just a story of politics, the creation of the US Constitution involves scandal, blackmail, romance, revolution and a dramatic death, told through modern music forms including rap, R&B and hip-hop that helps make Hamilton the most original smash-hit musical of the decade.
Is Hamilton suitable for children?
There is some strong language used in certain scenes in Hamilton, so this show is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Please note that prams, pushers and strollers are not permitted inside the venue.
Who is the Melbourne cast in Hamilton?
The all-Australian original cast of 35 features a diverse range of home-grown talent, so ‘just you wait’ for this spell-binding performance about one of America’s revolutionary Founding Fathers.
As well as an ensemble cast, the musical regularly features sizzling performances from:
- Jason Arrow - Alexander Hamilton
- Chloe Zuel - Eliza Hamilton
- Lyndon Watts - Aaron Burr
- Akina Edmonds - Angelica Schuyler
- Matu Ngaropo - George Washington
- Victory Ndukwe - Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson
- Shaka Cook - Hercules Mulligan/James Madison
- Marty Alix - John Laurens/Philip Hamilton
- Elandrah Eramiha - Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds
- Brent Hill - King George III
What awards has Hamilton won?
Hamilton is currently the most-Tony®-award-nominated musical of all time, and has won 11, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Costume, Best Choreography and Best Direction.
Hamilton has also won a host of awards from other organisations including a Grammy® (Best Musical Theatre Album), a Pulitzer Prize, Billboard Music Award, Laurence Olivier Awards, BroadwayWorld Australia Awards, and Sydney Theatre Awards.
A romantic scene from Hamilton live in Australia. Image: Daniel Boud
How long does Hamilton go for?
Hamilton has a two hour and 50-minute showtime, including a 20-minute break for intermission.
Hamilton’s run time is shorter than that of other popular shows such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and longer than that of The Picture of Dorian Gray.
How long is Hamilton playing in Melbourne?
Hamilton opened in Melbourne on 15 March 2022 and will close on 15 January 2023.
What time does Hamilton start in Melbourne?
The show runs Tuesday through to Sunday, with evening sessions starting at 7:00pm Tuesday - Thursday, and at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday evenings at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Hamilton also has matinees at 2:00pm Saturdays and 1:00pm Sundays, with the Sunday evening show beginning at 6:30pm.
What do I need to know before watching Hamilton?
The songs featured in Hamilton have become worldwide sensations. From rap to R&B, jazz and hip-hop, get into the songs, sounds and history in preparation.
Hamilton is ‘sung through’ (no tradionally spoken dialogue), and some of the story may go by quickly.
You can have a listen to the soundtrack, and since the American Revolution isn’t widely taught in Australian schools, you may want to brush up your history, either through the book that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to write the musical, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, or a quick online read about the real history that inspired the show.
What merchandise or souvenirs can I buy at Hamilton?
Official Hamilton merchandise is available both at the show and online, including the Hamilton program, novel, and Broadway CD; hats, beanies, mugs and glasses, badges, water bottles, ornaments, blankets and tea towels, keychains, pins, magnets, notebooks, t-shirts, hoodies, bags and lapel pins.
What theatre is Hamilton showing in?
Hamilton is showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne, at 219 Exhibition Street. It is set in Melbourne’s ‘theatre district’ in the East End.
Her Majesty’s Theatre has offered a range of showtime experiences since the 1880s in the 1700 seat venue. When it opened, it was originally the biggest theatre in the southern hemisphere, and still contains much of the luxe and glamour of the era.
Listed as part of the National Trust and Victorian Heritage Register, its restoration in the 1930s presents an elegant Art Deco interior, where guests can settle into velvet seats amongst a golden façade.
Does Her Majesty’s Theatre have a dress code?
There is no formal dress code for the musical Hamilton – but if you feel like coming in 17th century-inspired garb, you’ll fit right in with the cast of the show.
Traditional showgoers tend to dress formally, as for a ballet or opera, while most people dress in smart casual attire. Wear what you're comfortable in.
How can I buy Hamilton tickets?
You can buy Hamilton tickets from Her Majesty’s Theatre’s official ticketing partner, Ticketek.
For accessibility bookings, contact the Ticketek Box Office for further information.
Thanks to the new partnership between RACV and Ticketek, RACV Members can purchase tickets to a range of shows in Melbourne’s famed East End, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
How do I get to Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne?
Download and travel with arevo - a free journey planner app that can map out the most efficient travel route through driving, public transport and cycling to the Her Majesty’s Theatre based on real time.
Public transport – Parliament Station is approximately 300 metres from Her Majesty’s Theatre, or about a four-minute walk.
Parking near Her Majesty’s Theatre – There are many private car parks in the city. Some carparks close to Her Majesty’s Theatre include Rydges Hotel, Secure Parking and Wilson Parking.
The musical is adapted from the book Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Image: Daniel Boud
What restaurants are near Her Majesty’s Theatre?
In the middle of Melbourne’s theatre district, Her Majesty’s Theatre is a stone’s throw from the bustling Melbourne culinary scene such as Chinatown and the Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street.
For a meal before the show, head to one of these famed dining institutions such as Pellegrini or Grossi Florentino, or if you’re in the mood for something different, give one of the new city restaurants a try such as Robata or Yakimono.
If you’re really wanting the full American experience, try one of the great American-themed restaurants and diners around Melbourne. Betty’s Burgers, which specialises in American-inspired fare, is a one-minute walk from Her Majesty’s Theatre.
However, if you’re after a restaurant with an emphasis on all things Victorian, head to the creative and bold two-level restaurant Sojourn, which is great for theatre groups with big share plates on offer.
What bars are near Her Majesty’s Theatre?
If you’re looking for a post-show sweet or sour tipple near Her Majesty’s Theatre, find one at one of the best cocktail bars in Melbourne, including Eau de Vie and Nick & Nora’s.
If you’re heading down after work or you’re simply looking for a garden bar that is as chic in design as it is with its menu, head for a laid-back drink or signature cocktail at Bourke Street Green.
For a quintessentially Melbourne experience, head to a rooftop bar near Her Majesty’s Theatre including Bombabar (which has a retractable roof to protect you from Melbourne’s fickle weather) or Fable – the highest rooftop bar in the city
Can I get food at Her Majesty’s Theatre?
A variety of food and beverage items can be purchased at Her Majesty’s Theatre from ‘The Maj’ Café & Bar before the show and at interval. There is a light range of snacks on offer including sandwiches, salads and sweets, as well as regular theatre snacks and a range of beverages (including alcoholic) on offer.
