Aladdin
If you're looking for a vibrant ‘Arabian Night’ then make sure you head down to Birmingham Hippodrome to see the current touring production of Aladdin. From start to finish, this production is jam packed full of incredible talent, incredible sets, and eye-popping costumes. Associate Costume Supervisor Emily Corner really has understood the assignment for this show. I was lucky enough to be close to the stage and could see the intricacy and detail in the costuming, which really was a sight to behold.
I'm pretty confident that we all know the story of Aladdin and this Disney Theatrical production is very true to the original film. As the opening number erupts onto the stage, and we are first introduced to the Genie, played quite magnificently by Yeukayi Ushe, it is clear that we are in for a fantastic evening. Each musical number within this show is a big production number littered with props which are handled with expertise by the ensemble cast, who should also be commended for their hard work and energy throughout the whole show.
Aladdin, played by Gavin Adams, and Jasmine, played by Desmonda Cathabel worked excellently together. Their chemistry was completely believable, and both of their voices were outstanding. Of course, Aladdin is famous for the magical carpet ride, and this did not disappoint. Not only were the vocal performances first class, but the whole sequence really was spectacular.
The baddie of the piece is of course Jafar, played wickedly well by Adam Strong. He played the almost pantomime-esque character to a tee with the right amount of loathing and of course evil laughs. Ably assisted by Iago, played by Angelo Paragoso, the pair offered some fantastic humour into the story and despite them being the villains of the show, you couldn't help but enjoy every moment they spent on stage.
Now, the complete stand out of this show is the Genie, as mentioned previously, played by Yeukayi Ushe. Everything about their performance was unbelievably good. The energy, the humour, the faultless vocals and stage presence catapulted this show to an easy five stars. Probably one of the most famous songs from Aladdin, ‘A Friend Like Me’ was a complete master class from start to finish, adding in up-to-date references such as ‘Strictly Cave Dancing’ In homage to the popular TV show currently gracing our screens every Saturday night. This routine really was full on and full out with no corner of the stage untouched by Ushe Is he commanded every single word.
As we delved into the cave where Aladdin finds the magic lamp, the set, by Bob Crowley, really did illuminate our faces with the brash gold bedazzled walls that glistened. Each set piece was clearly constructed with opulence in mind inside the Palace, and the market place in Agrabah offered a look at the other end of the scale. It was clear that this was a Disney production with high-quality materials being used throughout.
This show really is an explosion of talent so make sure you head to the Birmingham Hippodrome to experience the ‘diamond in the rough’. A truly magical show.
This show was reviewed on the 10th October 2024 at the Birmingham Hippodrome where the show runs until the 3rd November 2024. Tickets available here: Disney’s Aladdin – Birmingham Hippodrome
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Deen Van Meer
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