Aladdin
Wales Millenium Centre December- January 14th
Raise your hand if you can still recite every word of Disney’s Aladdin.
There is a certain generational divide with Classic Disney, and Aladdin is firmly on the side of the elder Millenials. Growing up with Robin Williams’ Genie and falling in love with Aladdin or Jasmine or both feels like a particular cultural shorthand. It’s always a worry then when there’s a new version of the thing you love (and apparently, yes still know every line of). Too identical. It just feels off, too different it’s not ‘your’ thing anymore. Luckily, the stage Aladdin treds that line well.
For those not particularly invested in the film, or more casual theatre or Disney fans, it’s a great fun romp. It’s Camp as Christmas (which is handy given the timing), bright, colourful, and full of catchy songs. The story itself is simple enough for young theatre-goers to enjoy, but the show and songs are witty enough to keep even unwilling parents entertained. Disney does what Disney does best and delivers a true ‘family show’.
There is an air of pantomime about the show- with Jafar (Adam Strong) milking every moment of his evil laughs, and he and Iago (disappointedly to my 90s Disney kid now a human, not in fact a human-sized parrot) are a classic panto villain and sidekick. And sidekick Iago (Angelo Paragoso) steals the show numerous times. This worked incredibly well for a UK audience at Christmas but begs the question, what did American audiences make of that? Either way, they’re deliciously evil and camp camp camp. Jafar is the best queer-coded villain of 90s-era Disney I will die on this hill. Also, with his snake stick (not a euphemism) and cape, he was firmly in his Taylor Swift Reputation Era and frankly slaying it.
Talking of slaying, nobody slayed harder than the Genie (sleighed?). Yeukayi Ushe bounced out of the lamp and didn’t stop for the next two hours. The worst thing with screen-to-stage is a bad impersonation; luckily, this production and Ushe know better than to try to emulate Robin Williams’ iconic Genie perfectly. Instead, he is his own Genie. Fabulous, funny, energetic and charming, Ushe doesn’t stop; his witty delivery of the songs while also executing flawless dance routines is a wonder to watch. But also, he’s got a lot of heart, and from the start, you want him to be your Genie friend (like me). The heart under the wit and dance routines cements Ushe as the true star of this show- we’re willing Aladdin to do the right thing (even though we know he will) because we care deeply about his Genie.
Of course, the central love story is also magical, and Gavin Adams as Aladdin and Desdemona Cathabel as Jasmine are captivating as the romantic leads. Adams gives a cheeky charm to Aladdin, while Cathabel’s Jasmine feels like a feisty 21st-century princess. Both seem utterly enamoured with each other while clearly enjoying the story and the show, making them captivating to watch. Of course, ‘A Whole New World’ is a highlight, with both displaying their stunning vocals. But Adam’s singing ‘Proud of Your Boy’ is more moving, a song cut from the film but put back in for the musical.
The show is what you’d expect from a Disney production- lavish, colourful with beautiful set pieces. The ‘Cave of Wonder’ is well, wondrous, and each set piece from the palace to the marketplace moves seamlessly. The big set piece is the magic carpet, which doesn’t disappoint- using a bit of theatrical magic to create an enchanting moment. The show manages a good balance too between emulating the film and recreating moments in theatrical style. And it’s a real example of Disney doing what Disney does best in creating magic on stage.
Now who wants to buy my a Genie Teddy bear from the merch stand for Christmas?
Wales Millenium Centre is adding extra magic to Before the show, from 6.30pm a magician will be in Ffwrnais to entertain and delight you with magic tricks and sleight of hand before your very eyes! There will also be an Aladdin themed drink available to purchase. Enjoy all this and the magic of Disney’s spectacular production at performances on Friday 15, 22 December and 5 January.
Aladdin runs until 14th January. Then on Tour.
Wales Millenium Centre Tickets here.
Full Tour information here.
Access performances and other information:
Age guidance: Aladdin is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 3 years of age (including babies in arms) are not permitted into the theatre. Under 16s must be accompanied by and sit with an adult aged 18 or over.
Warnings: May contain loud sound effects, strobe lighting, Co2 being used on stage, a glitter burst, haze and confetti cannons.
Start time:
Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Thu + Sat 2.30pm
Sun 1pm + 6pm
No 6pm performances: 24 + 31 December, 14 January
Running time: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including 1 interval)
Touch Tour:
Sunday 7 January, 5pm
Please book via webchat or by calling the Ticket Office (spaces are limited)
Relaxed Performance:
Wednesday 10 January, 6.30pm