Hamilton: Theatre understudy always ready for ‘boss level’ play

There’s always a chance Jonathan, who grew up in south London, could have to swap a dressing room for centre stage.

When BBC Newsbeat meets him, it’s hours before he covers the lead role in front of a full house at Birmingham’s Hippodrome.

On this occasion, he knew he’d be needed in advance, but he isn’t always given that luxury.

“I just have to jump into the show,” he says.

Jonathan recalls getting a call from Hamilton’s tour manager during its Manchester run, moments before he was about to take a shower.

He says they asked him to come down from his room immediately as lead actor Shaq Taylor, who plays Alexander Hamilton, might need to come off-stage.

“My whole body flipped,” says Jonathan.

“So I went downstairs and the heads of every department were waiting for me – ready to do my hair, my costume.

“Sound were ready to put my mic on.

“In my mind, I was like, ‘this is the job I signed up for’.

“When Shaq came off there was an announcement and, when the next song started, I was on stage starting the show again.

“It takes a village to run the show but in that moment, it’s me that has to come in and fill those shoes.”