Woof, it’s me guide dog Fletcher! I’m back. It’s been a tough few months. So I wanted to share with you yesterday’s mega day out. We went to see ‘Hamilton The Musical’ in London. It was pawsome.
As part of making theatre accessible to those who are blind or partially sighted, we went to an audio described performance of Hamilton. The firm Vocal Eyes had been commissioned to sort this. They had also arranged a touch tour to bring their audio descriptions to life – I got to go on the touch tour.
I was “In the room where it happened“. Here I am on the Victoria Palace Theatre stage where Hamilton was showing.
I met some of the show’s cast and crew. They started off by lining up in a row (shown by photo) and introducing themselves to everyone. And extra information was provided by the Vocal Eyes team. I’ll tell you more about three of the cast in a moment.
After the intro, actress Ellena Vincent stepped out of the line up to greet us. She’s in the ensemble and was in a fine gold coat over a corset and leggings. She brilliantly described her costume and let Fiona, my pawtastic human, feel all the detailing on her clothes. Of course, I had to have a photo with her.
“You simply must meet Thomas. Thomas!“. Well, it would be rude not to. Here I am with President Thomas Jefferson who was decked out in rich expensive purple cloth. Jason Pennycooke, who plays the characters Jefferson and Lafayette, had a woofderful laugh and wicked humour.
Afterwards, I got to meet the main man. I barked: “What’s your name man?” “Alexander Hamilton!“. Jamael Westman who plays Hamilton gave me pawtastic fusses. He was very tall and down to earth. He was gentle with me and took the time to make me feel special.
I even got a little scratch from Jamael.
It was all very exciting. Did you say guide dog stage left? Must dash Jamael. Oops, sorry about the photo.
There were eight of us guide dogs present. Of course, I had to sniff the others out and give a waggy tail.
We kept our humans on their toes to stop our leads getting tangled in all the excitement.
Then Andy (my human no.2) and I discovered some goblets and muskets for Fiona to touch. This meant that she could get even more out of her theatre experience. After all, she can’t see much of what’s happening on stage during the performance. (In case you’re wondering, she sees some colours but hasn’t a clue what the colours are as everything is distorted and blurry. As to being able to see goblets and muskets on stage, impossible).
I got a bit worried when I found the corset. Didn’t want anyone putting that on me.
I’d be happy to try on this gorgeous robe belonging to King George.
And the wooden stage set was pretty woofderful too.
High paw and thanks to the Hamilton cast and crew plus Vocal Eyes team for a pawsome touch tour and introduction to Hamilton.
It was then off to be looked after by the theatre staff during the performance. Whilst I was offered the opportunity to see ‘Hamilton The Musical’, Fiona thought it might be too loud for me. Besides there was no space for me to sit – let alone lie down – by her seat.
My humans, Fiona and Andy, said ‘Hamilton The Musical’ was wooftastic. Definitely five stars.
After some expert guiding by me through the theatre crowds, it was time for home. What better way to pass the journey by catching up on some snoozing…
Woof and paw. Guide dog Fletcher.
(c) pawsatthekerb™, February 2019.
paws at the kerb 