‘Hamilton fans, this show has literally been created for YOU!’ Hamilton (Lewis) star Letitia Hector explains why you have to come & see the show

03 Sep
2018
Posted in: Features Interviews
Author: Staff
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Letitia Hector as Lewis Hamilton

Letitia Hector stars as Lewis Hamilton in racy new parody HAMILTON (LEWIS). Is she a fan of the Lin-Manuel Miranda blockbuster that it lovingly spoofs? How much did she know about F1 before she got the job? Find out in our interview here - and then get booking!

HAMILTON (LEWIS) is the epic tale of a self-starter, born and raised in Stevenage, who worked a lot harder, by being a lot faster, a man who became the most successful British F1 driver in the history of the sport. And who also bagged a Pussycat Doll. 

Letitia Hector (last seen at the King's Head in Holy Crap) stars as Lewis Hamilton with Liberty Buckland (Rumpy Pumpy, Yarico, Tomorrow Maybe) as Nicole Scherzinger, Jamie Barwood (He Shoots He Scores) as Big Ron and newcomer Louis Mackrodt as Alonso.

This brand-new parody blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway musical styles to show the petrol-fuelled thrills and spills of the life of Hamilton (Lewis) then, as told by Hamilton (Lewis) now. And, just in case you were wondering, this show is "not in any way endorsed by (Hamilton creator) Lin-Manuel Miranda... or Hamilton... (Lewis)... or the Pussycat Dolls."

HAMILTON (LEWIS) is directed by Benji Sperring, with musical direction, music and lyrics by David Eaton and a book written by Fiona English.


How much did you know about F1 before this show?

Zilch. 

Where did the idea to cast a woman as Lewis Hamilton come from?

I think they just wanted to push the barriers and they've done exactly that. Once I've introduced myself to the audience as 'Lewis Hamilton', there tends to be a huge roar of laughter from the audience, which stems from an element of surprise and then it’s over. They've accepted I'm a man for this performance and the show goes on! 

What did you think when you auditioned for the role?

I didn't actually audition for the role. I went in for Nicole Scherzinger. I was then asked to do material for Big Ron, and the next day received a phone call offering me the part of Lewis! Ha!

Have you seen Hamilton? What did you think?

I have and I adore everything about it! It's a genius show and has totally given a new context to musical theatre.

What would you say to Hamilton fans to persuade them to see Hamilton (Lewis)?

This show has literally been created for YOU, so YOU have to come and see it!!

What would you say to Lewis Hamilton/F1 fans to persuade them to see Hamilton (Lewis)?

This show has literally been created for YOU, so YOU have to come and see it!

How would you feel if Lin-Manuel, Lewis Hamilton or Nicole Scherzinger actually came to see Hamilton (Lewis)?

I would love for or all to watch the show to be honest. If anyone is going to get it, they are… hopefully, they've got a good sense of humour! 

You’ve just finished the show’s Edinburgh run. Any festival anecdotes?

Yes! It was my first time doing the Edinburgh Fringe and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, such an experience! I sure do have some stories… but definitely not for any publication.

Tell us a little about your fellow cast members.

Jamie Barwood plays Big Ron: he's our fun-loving Scouser, our Mother Goose. Louis Mackrodt plays Fernando Alonso: he's the baby of the group but cooks as if he's been on this planet for five decades! Liberty Buckland plays Nicole Scherzinger: she definitely drives the logic and wit of us all. 

HAMILTON (LEWIS) runs from 5 to 22 September 2018 at the King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, London N1 1QN. Performances are Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8.30pm, with Saturday matinees at 5.30pm. Tickets from £10. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!