This classic tale of a poor Arabian boy given three wishes by a Genie in a bottle so he could woo a princess was perfect for an Oscar winning Disney animation, and let’s be honest an obvious choice for a stage production.
It’s not surprising this high energy show had been seen by 15 million people worldwide as it cunningly melded 1950s musical tropes with a knowing and often funny book by Chad Beguelin, where the Princess was a feminist, and the old order came under threat. But if you didn’t want any subtle subtexts, then you could just wallow in a warm heated show full of extravagant sets, and some big numbers.
The tone was set from One Jump Ahead as Kerry Spark’s streetwise Aladdin jumped around a street market as a big ensemble danced around him. After a slightly shaky start, Spark settled down becoming more convincing as the impoverished suitor, and his Proud Of The Boy was touching.
There was quite a long wait for the Genie to pop out of his bottle but, boy, it was worth it. Full marks to the stagehands who double quick time managed to turn the set into an enchanted cave full of jewellery, and it was the perfect platform for Yeukayi Ushe to just let rip on Friend Like Me, which proved to be one of the all time great first half showstoppers.
Ushe was breathtakingly witty as he effortlessly scatted, glided round the set and performed a cheeky Disney melody, and just when you think it can’t get any more bonkers the uniformly excellent ensemble joined in with a perfectly executed Busby Berkeley inspired tap routine. Ushe was a top class performer, utterly in control of the chaos going on all around him, and this was as good as musical theatre gets.
The short second half didn’t quite have the same energy, but there was a beautifully executed special effect as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine duetted on the Oscar winning A Whole New World, with typically smart lyrics by Sir Tim Rice. Desmonda Cathabel was a nicely sassy Princess successfully carrying off her desire to settle her own fate and sang well on These Palace Walls.
Aladdin was always teetering on the edge of going over the top, so no surprise that there was a touch of panto courtesy of comedy villains Jafar and Iago. Adam Strong had a wonderful villain’s cackle that earned Jafar an affectionate boo at curtain call, and Angelo Paragoso was pure comedy gold as Iago nailing all the physical comedy.
Alan Menken rightly won an Oscar for his movie score clearly inspired by the golden age of musical theatre, but it was good to hear new numbers written for this show, like the energetic Somebody’s Got Your Back that included Aladdin’s three daft sidekicks. Casey Nicholaw’s dynamic direction just about kept things under control, and his intelligent choreography for the numerous group numbers was always punchy that allowed a diverse cast a chance to really show off all their moves.
If you liked the Disney classic then you’ll love this show that stayed faithful to it, but if you just fancy a fun night out for all the family courtesy of a fabulous cast then book tickets now.
Aladdin is at Bradford Alhambra until Sunday 1st September. To book www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or 01274 432500.
Reviewer: Paul Clarke
Reviewed: 15th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: