Book: Chad Beguelin
Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin
Director: Casey Nicholaw
Disney’s Aladdin has finally arrived on its magic carpet in Glasgow. Shining, shimmering, splendid, it’s actually a whole lot more than that. It’s a big, beautiful traditional musical with first class production values that will satisfy the very youngest to oldest members of the audience.
Largely following the storyline of the 1992 animated movie, there have been adaptations for the stage, and contemporary references added to bring it bang up to date.
As expected from Disney, the quality is high in every aspect of the production. The storyline is tight and whisks along at a pace that never allows for any moments of boredom. The set, lighting and costume design are rich, lavish and add life and warmth throughout.
All of the familiar, favourite tunes are here: One Jump Ahead, Prince Ali, A Whole New World and Friend Like Me, with some new additions to drive the action. All land perfectly at the hands of the impeccable cast, but it is the glorious set-piece that ends Act One, delivered by the irresistible Genie (Damien Winchester) A Friend Like Me, that sticks in the memory. It’s rare to see staging this lavish. It’s a scene that faultlessly brings together the talents of the writers, composers, choreographers, designers and of course the most perfectly drilled cast you’ll have the privilege to experience. It’s not often you get to see a true show-stopper today, but this certainly is it.
The energy and commitment from each and every member of the large cast is outstanding. Gavin Adams makes his professional debut as Aladdin and shines like the star he is destined to become, he has a beautiful singing voice and an easy charm that makes you root for the rascally hero. Damien Winchester’s Genie is a force of nature, larger than life, he raises a cheer every time he steps on stage (and rightly so). Desmonda Cathabel is a strong, if under-used Jasmine and the villains of the piece Jafar (Adam Strong) and Iago (Angelo Paragoso) provide the boos and laughs at all the right moments.
This is a perfect piece of family entertainment that lives up both to the quality of the Disney brand, and to the hype that proceeds it. The perfect show for any time of year but the perfect show for the up-coming festive season for those who want quality guaranteed.
Not to be missed.
Runs until 30 November 2024 | Image: Deen Van Meer
The Reviews Hub Score
Outstanding
