INTERVIEW | Aisha Jawando, Hamilton UK Tour

Hamilton is a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences across the globe since 2015. Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. It spans a particular focus on his involvement in the American Revolutionary War, his marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, his career as a lawyer and secretary of the treasury and his relationship with Aaron Burr. Hamilton isn’t just a hit in America but in the UK, opening in the West End in 2017. There’s no stopping the impact of this show; now Hamilton is embarking on its first UK tour, and audiences are loving it!

But what is it like to be a part of that new chapter in Hamilton’s story? We spoke with Aisha Jawando, who plays Angelica Schuyler on the UK tour. Known for her stint on the West End production of Tina: Tina Turner Musical, Jawando discusses what it’s like to be part of the tour, why Hamilton has had the impact it has on the musical theatre world and more!

Maya Britto, Aisha Jawando and Gabriela Benedetti. © Danny Kaan

Thanks for your time chatting about Hamilton, how excited are you to be a part of the first UK tour of the show?

It’s very cool to be taking the show on the road especially one that’s had a HUGE impact across many diasporas.

Let’s start where your journey into performing began?

I start singing and dancing from a really young age, aka I had way too much energy as child.

You are part of a phenomenal cast too - how has that experience been for you as you begin to really cement this group who will be touring across the UK together?

They are amazing, they really are, so I’m just hoping and praying we all continue this way.

Tell us a little bit about your character in the show, what is your favourite part of playing them?

I play Angelica the eldest of the three Schuyler sisters. She’s pretty much a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of gal.

Hamilton has had a huge journey to the stage - why do you think the key to its success has been? Also, do you think this show is for a more “younger” audience or can it be enjoyed by older people too?

Firstly, anyone who loves music, a love story, brotherhood and so on can, and will, enjoy this musical. The age restrictions can stay at the door, unless of course, the show has an age limit, then let’s follow those rules, ha. But I think that’s why Hamilton has been a success. It has catered to the many.

If you weren’t playing your character, which other role would you like to play?

BURR!!!!!!

Are there any challenging aspects of the show - whether that is in the performing or when you were in the rehearsal process?

The biggest challenge is finding where to breathe in the show. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, but most if the hay is out of the way now, so I’ve got my metal detector out for the needle.

What is your favourite musical number in the show?

York Town. Hands down.

What is your favourite memory of working on Hamilton so far?

The copious amount of laughter.

If people haven’t booked their tickets (besides living under a rock!) why should they see Hamilton?

Just come get lost in a whole different world for an evening and let your imaginations be sparked with new creativity you can take back into your world.

Catch Aisha Jawando in the Hamilton UK Tour.