REVIEW - ALADDIN THE MUSICAL | PALACE THEATRE MANCHESTER | 29/05/2024

Having first experienced Aladdin on Broadway back in 2016, I was more than ready to hop aboard the magic carpet once again—this time, landing in the heart of Manchester at the beautiful Palace Theatre. Disney musicals have a knack for sprinkling a bit of fairy dust on stage, and this UK tour promised a dazzling mix of nostalgia, spectacle and brand-new twists. Did it live up to expectations? Oh yes—and then some!

This stage version of Aladdin takes the beloved 1992 Disney animated film and gives it a dazzling theatrical makeover—complete with new characters, extra songs, and clever storytelling tweaks that make the adventure feel both familiar and fresh.

We still follow Aladdin, the charming “diamond in the rough” who dreams of escaping his life of petty theft and street scuffles for something greater. When he crosses paths with the disguised Princess Jasmine in the bustling marketplace, sparks fly—and a classic Disney romance is set into motion. Meanwhile, the villainous Jafar, Grand Vizier to the Sultan, is hatching a plan to seize control of the kingdom. His search for a magical lamp hidden within the enchanted Cave of Wonders leads him straight to Aladdin, whose pure heart is the only key to unlocking its secrets.

But this is no one-man tale! On stage, Aladdin is never alone. Instead of his trusty monkey Abu, he’s joined by three riotously funny friends—Babkak, Omar and Kassim—who bring warmth, loyalty and a whole lot of comedy to the story. Their brotherly bond gives the narrative extra depth, and their musical number High Adventure is a total crowd-pleaser.

Of course, the Genie steals the show when he bursts out of the lamp in a whirl of jazz, glitter and showbiz flair. He grants Aladdin three wishes, and the first is a big one: to become a prince and win Jasmine’s heart. Cue the arrival of “Prince Ali,” a dazzling royal persona with a parade of dancers, animals, and trumpets worthy of a Broadway street party. But as you’d expect, keeping up appearances proves tricky—and Aladdin soon finds himself tangled in a web of lies, royal protocol, and unexpected heroism.

Jasmine, meanwhile, is no damsel in distress. This version gives her a stronger voice, a clearer sense of purpose, and a determination to choose her own future—whether that means love, freedom, or even ruling Agrabah in her own right.

It all builds to a high-stakes finale full of action, illusion, and heart. Without giving too much away, let’s just say the magic carpet ride is only one of the many enchanting surprises that make this story soar.

Visually, Aladdin is an all-out spectacle. The production is drenched in colour, glitter and gold—every scene is a feast for the eyes. The Cave of Wonders in particular is jaw-droppingly brilliant, complete with a colossal tiger head entrance and treasure that sparkled like it had just been wished into existence.

The costumes? Absolutely fabulous. From Jasmine’s shimmering ensembles to the Genie’s zoot suit glamour, every outfit radiated luxury. The attention to detail is incredible—you could practically hear the sequins twinkling.

Musically, it’s a delightful blend of old and new. You’ll hum along to the classics—Friend Like Me, Prince Ali, A Whole New World—but the newer numbers like Proud of Your Boy hold their own. Backed by a live orchestra that added richness and rhythm to every moment, the show’s soundtrack was every bit the magic carpet ride it promised to be.

Let’s talk about star power, because this cast shone brighter than a genie’s lamp. Yeukayi Ushe as the Genie is nothing short of phenomenal. He’s the beating heart of the show—charismatic, quick-witted, and vocally outstanding. His performance of Friend Like Me was a showstopper that practically blew the glitter off the rafters. Tap dancing, illusions, comedy, jazz hands—it had everything.

Gavin Adams, in his professional debut as Aladdin, is the embodiment of Disney charm. He’s got the grin, the grit, and the gorgeous voice to pull off our favourite diamond in the rough. His chemistry with Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine was genuinely sweet, and together they made A Whole New World soar—literally and emotionally.

Special mention to Nelson Bettencourt (Babkak), Adam Taylor (Omar), and Nay-Nay (Kassim), whose antics and harmonies in High Adventure were pure joy. Adam Strong and Angelo Paragoso also hit just the right comic notes as the dastardly Jafar and his not-so-menacing sidekick Iago.

Aladdin the Musical is a shimmering spectacle of theatrical wonder. It’s got the razzle-dazzle, the heartfelt moments, and a Genie who’ll steal your heart before you can say “three wishes.” It leans slightly into pantomime territory at times—but with Disney’s sparkle and polish, it becomes a glittering celebration rather than a seasonal distraction.

Whether you're reliving childhood memories or sharing the magic with the next generation, this show is a golden ticket to a night of pure enchantment.

Aladdin is at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Sunday 7th July 2024. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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If you would like more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the show's official website.

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Photo Credit - Deen Van Meer