Disney + recently released a recorded version of Hamilton: An American Musical featuring the original Broadway cast, not only has this provided an affordable way for millions to watch an iconic show, but it has also provided an instant highlight to 2020.

There isn’t much that can be said about Hamilton that hasn’t been said already, however I still feel like this release deserves mentioning given the circumstances of 2020. In a COVID-19 infested world where there has been the greatest period of civil unrest since the late 1960s in the US due to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor Hamilton’s hopeful message is more prescient than ever. It’s a hopeful message that seems almost outdated, a product of a more hopeful world than the one we live in today but as mentioned that is exactly what makes Hamilton so vital right now.

Hamilton, the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton contains such contagious optimism for what sort of world we can build together that it is almost impossible to not watch without emerging reinvigorated with lust for life. Even with the second act being one continuous heartbreaking tragedy after another, optimism prevails, when things seem darkest the musical still finds hope and that is what we all must do in these troubling times.

Another thing that makes Hamilton so spectacularly relevant is it’s inclusivity, it takes characters who in real life had a – to put it mildly – shady history with different ethnicities and casts them in a modern light. America’s past told by America’s present . There is of course no irony lost in the fact that a notorious slave owner in Thomas Jefferson is played by a person of colour and played spectacularly. The entire cast in fact is a joy, whether they are playing double roles in each act or as continuous characters across the whole musical every single one is cast to perfection and I am at the point where I am almost shocked where I see a photo of Thomas Jefferson that they are in fact, not Daveed Diggs. The pro-immigration, pro-LGBT, pro equality message is also shockingly relevant right now in a time where hate crimes across the World and particularly America are on the rise. Hamilton in this area becomes aspirational another optimistic hope for America and the world that one day true equality for all will be reached and that immigrants, people of colour or the LGBT community will not face discrimination. As the show so eloquently puts it “Immigrants, we get the job done”

There has been criticism of the show ignoring some of the more morally grey dealings of the founding fathers and their utterly abhorrent use of slaves. This however can be answered simply, Hamilton is idyllic it isn’t trying to portray America as it was, it is using a historical setting to show America and the world how it could be and should be and in order to do this it needs characters who embody this. These issues are not being ignored, it is merely Hamilton correcting history to how it should of been and making these characters people to admire. I think it is Lin-Manuel Miranda himself who puts it perfectly in his role as Alexander Hamilton “America, you great unfinished symphony” and this is also true of the wider world.

Whilst Hamilton’s incredible messages leave a lot to be admired we cannot forget just how shockingly intelligent, largely accurate and gloriously entertaining this show is. For a musical with a limited run time and a desire to approach modern issues through a historical lense it is incredibly historically accurate, quoting from historical documents and even alluding to rumoured affairs between Hamilton and Lauren’s and Hamilton and Angelica Schuyler. Similarly, and I say this with no hyperbole every single song is an absolute banger. Everything is written with such rhythm and flow using such layered dialogue that it is a joy to the ears. The genre of music as well is telling in this pro-immigration story which uses modern musical influences such as Hip-Hop and R&B. I spend an inordinate amount of time wondering how one man almost single handedly wrote all of this with such rich historical detail whilst also making it so engaging and entertaining. When you add these lyrics to the actors movements on stage the entire show goes up a level with each actor bringing such vibrancy to their roles. If you haven’t seen it you have to. If you have seen it watch it again. It is that good and it gives me hope for the future in a way that few other shows do.

At the moment we are all living on our knees and we need to Rise Up whilst not throwing away our Shot.

Anyone who has read my open love letter to funky shirts from a couple of months ago know largely what to expect. I love the things, they are exciting, fashionable and chic all at once. They are trending and they are timeless. They let you inject personality into your outfits with ease. They really are great aren’t they? Yes, yes they are. However, for me at least they have taken on a new meaning during lockdown. They are an instant mood booster. Just wearing one whether it is for a day or 10 minutes just makes me happy. This is aided by the fact I just splashed the cash on a rather fetching Jacquemus printed shirt which I would wear at all times if it were practical. Yet even for your standard printed shirt lockdown is the perfect time to wear them. They boost your own mood, makes occasions feel a little more special AND best of all you don’t have anyone complimenting you on your “shit shirt” so it really is a no lose situation.

I could go on at length about a printed shirts surprising versatility (which is very much true) but at this point it doesn’t really matter does it? You could probably wear one with sweats (not normally recommended) or even just rock the shirt solo (definitely not recommend in normal life) but who is around to judge you? Just wear it for your own enjoyment.

Sure, it may feel superfluous when nothing more than sweats are required but with COVID-19 showing no sign of slowing down why not jazz up our days a little more? A printed shirt does that. It gives any average day an “occasion” feel and in my case reminds me of holidays where I would don any number of fantastical shirts in various eye-popping prints. Even if it’s something you have never tried before, in lockdown there is no one to laugh at you. So what are you waiting for? This is a pandemic after all, treat your self.

Disney’s live action remakes of their classic films are ubiquitous at the moment. There were 3 in 2019 and Disney shows no signs of slowing down. I for one am very excited by this but not everyone shares my sentiments. Disney has instead been on the receiving end of much criticism over these live action remakes. They have been branded a corporate money-grab and while it is likely that money was a motivation it is also the motivation behind any film. Those that disregard these films as being purely for financial gain are in fact missing the point. This doesn’t stop them from being incredibly enjoyable films.

The remakes are incredibly clever by Disney. They reintroduce characters beloved to many of us to a younger audience allowing them to enjoy the same characters that we did growing up. Not only do these characters get updated for a new audience but they also get modernised. A perfect example is in the recent remake of Aladdin. Instead of Jasmines only goal in the story being to marry Aladdin, she instead wants her birthright of Sultan. This is a thoroughly needed update that gives Jasmine a rounded character instead of just a plot device. This is a much needed modernisation of a beloved character. Disney accomplished a similar feat with Belle in Beauty and the Beast which also gave Belle a more rounded character and arc. These strong female characters are very welcome given the outdated Damsel in Distress role these Princesses played in the originals. The modernisation of these characters only serves to ensure their legacy even further and make them far more appropriate for the modern age.

Another great thing about the Disney remakes is that they develop the storylines of the classics. Back when Disney originally made the films they may not of had the inclination or even the budget (which nowadays seems crazy) to add and fully flesh out the story. They were ultimately made for children and so the stories were kept simple and streamlined. The newer remakes are made with the adults who have grown up with these films in mind as well as children. This means that Disney is capable of including more complex backstory and plot points in the newer remakes. This is what has led to the increase in more adult themes and female empowerment. I for one personally think these additional scenes only add to the films, both the original and the modern remake. They confirm details many fans have secretly always wanted to know and give the movies a more cohesive modern flow. The perfect example of this is the Genie in Aladdin. The creation of a love interest and the narrative framing of his narration make us feel even more for a character many of us have loved since we were children. This additional story also gives the films a lot more narrative flow and fills in any potential plot holes present in the original. Overall it gives the films much more of a flow and a more modern feel.

The final point I will make about Disney’s live action remakes is also the simplest. Who the hell doesn’t want to see these incredible timeless stories with a modern and star studded cast. The talent and star power on display in some of Disney’s latest offerings are mind blowing. The cast of the Lion King alone is enough to give you tingles with megastars such as Donald Glover and Beyoncé in starring roles. Similarly Aladdin took Will Smith and gave him a very worthy yet altogether different take on the genie to Robin Williams. This is also seen with the casting of Emma Stone as Cruella Deville for a 101 Dalmatians remake. An academy award winning actor who also happens to be one of the biggest movie stars in the world. This star power is nothing new to Disney who have been going after top tier talent for these live action films for a while now, a trend started by Angelina Jolie staring in the reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent. The power of these original stories combined with the money that Disney can be prepared to pump into them means that the sky is the limit for the casting of these films. With plenty more of Hollywood yet to be cast and with many more timeless stories to tell, the sky really is the limit. I wish upon a star that Disney continues to give these classics the modernisation that they deserve.

Just a quick update I am working hard on my dissertation at the moment so I won’t be posting anything during March and April so I can focus on that.

More articles will be coming soon ✌️

So confession time, my name is Jamie and I LOVE printed shirts. Long-Sleeve, Short-Sleeve, bright, muted, animal print, floral you name it I probably want to wear it. Now this love started from a fairly dignified place, a GQ article. When I first got into fashion I devoured as much material as I could to grow my personal style. As with any fashionista a few items both “trending” and “timeless” caught my eye. White jeans, biker jackets, Chelsea boots and of course printed shirts. I have been lucky to exist in a time where my love is considered the height of fashion and bang on trend. Actors, influencers and any man with any style credentials can all be seen wearing them and why?

Well, a good start is that they are a white hot (and long lasting) trend, they are also just plain fun. An interesting and exciting way to spice up and add colour to a mans wardrobe. Similarly, they allow you to show a little more personality and formality in an outfit and most importantly of all they are surprisingly versatile. Once you find your shirt you will be amazed what it goes with! I have a black Cuban collar shirt printed with stars and honestly it goes with everything adding a serious touch of louche fun to an outfit. A more colourful option is my bright red Cuban collar number. Whilst you would think this is limiting it is still incredibly versatile and never fails to make me feel stylish in an outfit.

You heard it here last folks a funky shirt is what you need, although most definitely with a chic modern vibe and not a suburban dad on vacation vibe.

Everyone has one right?

◦ Attend a fashion week (preferably Milan)

◦ Own some Louis Vuitton Luggage

◦ Own a Gucci Jumper

◦ Own a Prada Shirt

◦ I’m sensing a theme here

◦ Own something from Celine

◦ Own a proper tailored suit (preferably from italy)

◦ Live in one of the great style cities

◦ Style Someone (that I’m not related to)