Review: Disney’s Aladdin

Edinburgh Playhouse ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s seldom you’ll leave the theatre with as big a smile on your face than after watching Disney’s spellbinding new production of Aladdin - it’s a magical, musical cave of wonders.

In Agrabah, an ancient city of mystery and enchantment, the evil Jafar has dreams of usurping the Sultan, his brother.

The dastardly endeavour will require him to enlist the services of a ‘Diamond in the Rough’, the loveable street urchin Aladdin, in order to acquire the fabled magic lamp that is home to a genie with the power to make his greatest wish come true.

And so the scene is set for this all singing, all dancing spectacular, a must see show for all the family.

From the opening number, a high energy seven minute delight, which allows Yeukayi Ushe’s sensationally sassy Genie to instantly bond with his audience, to the show-stopping number, A Whole New World, and a spectacular magic carpet ride, this retelling of the popular tale is an eye-popping spectacle that lifts the soul and never falters.

In the title role, Gavin Adam’s zips around the stage with childlike glee, a loveable rascal with a huge heart, great presence and a bit of growing up still to do.

Playing opposite him, Desmonda Cathabel is in fantastic voice as the fiercely  independent Princess Jasmine. Together the pair shine as they share an easy chemistry.

It’s Ushe’s Genie who steals the show however, never more so than in Friend Like Me, a mind-blowing Busby Berkeley-style extravaganza that heralds the finale of the first act.

Mesmerising stuff, that number alone showcases the immense talents of the ensemble as a whole, but then, throughout the production’s two hours ten minutes stage time it’s impossible to spot a single weak link.

Chad Begulin’s book is snappy, funny, dramatic and corny in places. It drives the pace of the show while director and choreographer Casey Nicolaw ensures everything unfolds fluidly on Bob Crowley’s evocative and often dazzling set design, which also boasts a comforting degree of familiarly

And if Natasha Katz’ lighting paints depth into that design, so Jim Steinmeyer’s illusions add a little touch of awe.

Safe to say, Disney’s Aladdin is a glittering ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ GENIE-US production that will leave you smiling way beyond the Happy Ever After.

Don’t miss it.

Until November 18

Tickets from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/edinburgh-playhouse/calendar/2023-11-08

Credit: Líam Rudden’s Must See Theatre