Birmingham Hippodrome – until 3rd November 2024
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Disney’s classic Aladdin flew into Birmingham this week on the latest leg of the show’s magical UK tour. Based on the folklore tale and the 1992 animated musical film, the production premiered in Seattle in 2011 and has gone from strength to strength with audiences worldwide. With a book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin, music by the original film’s composer Alan Menken, and lyrics by original lyricists Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin. The show includes many beloved songs from the original films, as well as new songs written by Menken and Beguelin.
Fans of the original film will not be disappointed by this production. It manages to capture all the colour, enchantment and nostalgia, but adds a few modern twists along the way. From the second the curtains rise, we are transported to Agrabah from sandy dunes, to bustling bazaars and the opulence of the Palace. We meet Aladdin (Gavin Adams making his professional debut) and his three friends, Babkak (Nelson Bettencourt), Kassim (Nay-Nay) and Omar (Adam Taylor) as they try to survive the tough existence of a street urchin in the marketplace. Aladdin meets and instantly falls for a disguised Princess Jasmine (played with a delightful sassy edge by Desmonda Cathabel).
Determined to thwart their budding romance are Jafar (Adam Strong) and Iago (Angelo Paragoso in a brilliantly comical performance). Their devilish double act raised many laughs throughout the show. Jafar longs to replace Jasmine’s father The Sultan (Jo Servi) and rule Agrabah and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, including sending Aladdin into the cave of wonders to retrieve a magic lamp, where he meets the Genie (Yeukayi Ushe in a show-stopping turn). Following in the footsteps of Robin Williams and Will Smith is no easy task, but this Genie is just as comedic and charismatic, but Ushe manages to add his own gleeful touches to the much loved character.
The cave scene where we finally get to see Genie in all his glory is nothing short of breathtaking. I heard audible gasps from the audience as the golden jewel encrusted backdrop was revealed. The scenic design by Bob Crowley is magnificent and really adds to the magic of the show. The costume design by Gregg Barnes also deserves praise. Beautifully intricate costumes appear throughout, from Princess Jasmine’s famous blue glittery outfit to Prince Ali’s spectacular white robes as he arrives in town to try to woo the Princess.
It wouldn’t be a Disney musical without all the iconic songs we know and love, alongside a few new songs that work well within the show. Yeukayi Ushe revels in what the character himself calls his “show stopping number” ‘Friend Like Me’ and probably the best known song ‘A Whole New World’ captivated the crowd as Aladdin and Jasmine took to the skies on the magic carpet ride that drew gasps from the audience. I admit I still don’t know how they achieved this spectacle, but let’s just call it a bit of Disney magic!!
There’s an almost inevitable pantomime feeling to the show, but this just adds to the charm and escapism of the whole production. I thoroughly recommend this magical journey for all ages to enjoy.