What do hip hop and America's founding fathers have in common?
Not a lot at first glance maybe, but a new Broadway musical marrying the two has gone from strength to strength since its debut two years ago. Hamilton, based on the short life and extraordinary times of Alexander Hamilton, has come to international attention, claiming a Grammy, a Pulitzer and no fewer than eleven Tony Awards. As the show hops across the pond, set to take London's West End by storm, Hollywood has come calling. As musical theatre goes, it doesn't get much bigger than that.
So who was this historical figure whose life has inspired such an unexpected hit? Professor Ciaran Brady from Trinity College Dublin joined Miles Dungan on The History Show to delve into this rags-to-riches story of revolution.
If Hamilton seems an unlikely subject for a musical, he was an even less likely candidate for life on the political stage. Hailing from the humblest of backgrounds, a newspaper article he wrote at age fourteen was to change everything.
Sensing his potential, readers sent him to Kings College New York, now Columbia University, and set him on the road to greatness. Hamilton was never to complete his education here. Instead, he would take his place in the American War of Independence while still a teen. Displaying extraordinary moral and physical bravery, Hamilton rose rapidly through the ranks. He soon became senior aide to General Washington and a political star was born.
A colourful political career ensured, with soaring highs, crippling lows and mudslinging campaigns that cause the 2016 Trump/Clinton war of words to pale in comparison.
Thrown in plenty of personal tragedy and a dramatic and untimely end and you've got yourself a great night of multi-award winning theatre.
Listen to the full interview from The History Show, here