Hamilton Mania in London Boosts Profits for West End Impresario

(Bloomberg) -- Alexander Hamilton may have fought the British in the American Revolutionary War, but a musical about the U.S. Founding Father is now making one Englishman even richer.

The London production of “Hamilton” was a major factor in profits at Cameron Mackintosh’s theatrical company almost tripling to 41.9 million pounds ($54.7 million) in the 12 months ended March 31, according to filings released this month.

The billionaire brought the hip-hop musical to the English capitol in 2017 and it has since become one of the city’s most sought-after shows, with tickets regularly costing more than 100 pounds.

Importing the U.S. musical is the latest successful bet for Mackintosh, 73, who amassed a 10-figure fortune buying London theaters and staging shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Miss Saigon.”

Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.’s eight theaters in London’s West End were all fully booked during the year ended March, with the exception of one that closed temporarily for refurbishments, the filing shows. In addition to “Hamilton,” the firm also benefited from U.S. and U.K. tours of “Les Miserables,” the West End’s longest-running musical.

Written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Hamilton” debuted in New York in 2015 and remains a top draw even though most of the original cast -- including Miranda -- have been replaced. Its 1,800 Broadway performances have generated $625.6 million in revenue, according to Broadwayworld.com. Top seats are at least $500 and can cost even more on the secondary market.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ben Stupples in London at bstupples@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Pierre Paulden at ppaulden@bloomberg.net, Steven Crabill

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