Review Disney’s Aladdin the Musical UK

Disney’s Aladdin Musical production is on a new UK tour and has flown on to the Palace Theatre Manchester Stage. We were invited along for a review. 

Based on the 1992 animated film, the stage show is from the producers of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Frozen.

This musical follows roughly the plot as the well-loved movie.

Aladdin is a poor ‘Street Rat’ who falls head over heels with Princess Jasmine after meeting her markets of Agrabah.

On realising who she is he realises he will never be allowed to marry her. But his luck changes when he meets the Sultan’s advisor Jafar who sends him to find a magical lamp containing a magical genie.

All the main characters of the film are present apart from Abu who has been replaced by three mischievous but loyal friends. I won’t lie I was a tad disappointed at the cute monkey’s absence. However, his new pals’ fight scene was one of my favourite bits of the evening and went some way to softening the blow. 

Gavin Adams plays the title role of Aladdin alongside Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine.

From the moment Adam’s stepped on the stage he brought the mischievous energy and charm that Aladdin is known for. Cathabel makes a perfect Princess Jasmine, bringing out her strength and rebellious side without losing the character’s warmth.

Together they portray the perfect Disney prince and princess with abundant chemistry, with A Whole New World proving that they both can sing. 

Adam Strong has been cast as the “Disney Villain” and right-hand man to the Sultan, Jafar. He seamlessly from a sinister presence to a more comedic moment as he pairs up with his sidekick Lago (Angelo Paragoso), now a man rather than is sarcastic parrot. 

I will say that the pair did bring a slight panto feel to the show that may be slightly jarring to hardcore Disney fans. Although the audience at our visit didn’t seem to mind with them receiving lots of laughs throughout the evening. 

We all know that the real star of Aladdin is the Genie and the stage show is no exception. Portrayed by Yeukayi Ushe it would be fair to say he stole the show.

He had the right amount of sass, an abundance of stage presence and did justice to all my favourite Disney songs – this Genie can sing. “A Friend Like Me’ was truly spectacular which had both me and my daughter in awe throughout. 

Fans of the film can expect lots of familiar tracks including ‘Arabian Nights’, ‘Friend Like Me’, ‘Prince Ali’, and ‘A Whole New World’ along with some new songs by Tony, Olivier, Grammy, Emmy and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken with Howard Ashman and Tim Rice – all of which fitted well. 

The staging was a mix of basic but affected backdrops such as the palace to the extravagant scenery in the cave that you would expect from a Disney show. And yes there is a magic carpet – but I won’t spoil it and say anymore. 

The costumes (Gregg Barnes) also deserve a mention. Full of extravaganza, there are 162 massive colourful and dazzling costumes, 110 pairs of shoes and some amazing costume changes.

Aladdin The Musical is a show for all ages, full of the Disney Magic (watch out for the Disney and Marvel Easter Eggs) that we all know and love and is perfect treat. 

You can catch Aladdin at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Sunday 7th July 2024. 

To book >>> Disney’s Aladdin The Musical Manchester