Y'know how sometimes, a big West End transfer can be all hype and no substance? Like when the music, or a particular performer, goes viral on TikTok and that becomes the show's sole marketing strategy - and when you actually pay your money and take your seat, the whole thing doesn't live up to that hype?

Full disclosure...that was my worry for Hamilton. Even fuller disclosure...I was wrong.

The show premiered, off Broadway in 2015 and, from day one received universal acclaim. Let's not forget that for a prolonged period, there was a waiting list for tickets - a feat which was replicated when it opened in the West End in 2017. For some context, this is a musical that's bagged 11 Tony Awards (from 16 nominations) and 8 Olivier Awards - something largely unequalled to date.

Make no mistake - this show is a global phenomenon. Widely regarded as one of the most successful musicals of all time, I can personally guarantee that whilst the hype is definitely justified, what it isn't is the only string to Hamilton's bow.

Hamilton is a sung-and-rapped-through biographical musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Lin-Manuel Miranda as well as choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler. The story covers the life of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton and his involvement in the American Revolution and the political history of the early United States.

Composed over a seven-year period, the music draws heavily from hip hop, R&B, pop, soul, and traditional-style show tunes and casts non-white actors as the Founding Fathers of the United States and other historical figures.

The set and lighting are visually outstanding. Acting as a beautifully choreographed centrepiece, the entire production takes place on a two-way revolve in a stark brick-lined space with moving parts to vary the scene. Hamilton is a show about substance, and that substance comes from the music, acting and dance and the beauty of the set lies in its simplicity.

However what really makes this production shine are the cast. 

Shaq Taylor is simply stunning in the lead role. Having played some incredibly demanding parts over the last few years, his pedigree goes before him but his relative ease on stage, not putting a foot wrong with some of the most lyrically challenging music in theatre, is testament to his ability.

Billy Nevers gives a strong performance, particularly as Thomas Jefferson where his ability to bring sass and personality to the role had the audience in stitches.

However, for me, performance of the night goes to Daniel Boys as King George. Now, for clarity, George is a role which has (considerably) less than 20 minutes of stage time in a nearly three-hour piece. However it's also one of the best roles in Musical Theatre and one that Daniel was born to play.

His humour, timing, charisma and confidence exude from every pore and he got one of the most rapturous applause of the evening for his rendition of 'You'll Be Back' which was world class.

In fact, world class is a compliment that can be afforded to all of those on stage this evening. Hamilton tells the story of someone who was instrumental in changing the lives of Americans and the face of US politics forever - something comparable with Hamilton's impact on theatre and this cast's ability to keep an audience hooked and on the edge of their seats for the full length of the show.

If you have the opportunity to catch the production, don't throw away your shot (sorry!) and immerse yourself in what is, quite simply, an ovation-worthy piece pf perfection.

Hamilton runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 31st August. For more information, head to birminghamhippodrome.com.