Sunderland Empire, 16/02/2024
Grab your magic carpet or jump on the next Metro, Aladdin UK tour has made its way to Sunderland and is ready to take you to a Whole New World! Embarking on its first UK tour after a successful run in the West End, this show based on the 1992 Disney classic film of the same name follows the story of street urchin Aladdin who happens upon a magic lamp containing a genie who helps change his life forever. Read on for our five reasons to see Aladdin!
1. It’s a visual spectacle
From the opening scene, it’s clear that this show has been given the full ‘Disney’ treatment. The costumes throughout are stunning, with beautiful robes and more glitter and shimmer than you can imagine, every costume is breathtaking. The scenery has a similar impact too, especially in the palace and cave scenes. The fine intricacy to the details of the set are astounding and highlight that so much work that has gone into creating this show a visual feast for everyone.
2. The lead cast are so strong
We would normally focus on a standout performance but for this show we just couldn’t pick one out. Our leading man Gavin Adams marking his professional debut as the most perfect Aladdin is like he has stepped right out of a Disney film with his portrayal. Yeukayi Ushe epitomises Genie in the most glamorous and entertaining way, his stage presence is wonderful and he is hilarious. Starring recently in ITV’s ‘Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream’ Desmonda Cathabel is our ferocious Jasmine, creating a perfect example to the young ones seeing the show how you should choose your own path. Sunderland’s own Adam Strong is an amazing Jafar, his facial expressions and body language are so good it’s like watching the cartoon as he contorts his mouth to create his evil smile and laugh. Angelo Paragoso as Iago is an audience favourite with his camp quips.
It also goes without saying that the show wouldn’t be what it is without the rest of the cast too. Great performances by all.
3. The songs
Featuring all the songs from the Academy Award winning original soundtrack with some numbers written specifically for the musical and two that were cut from the 1992 film (‘Proud of Your Boy’ and ‘High Adventure’), the songs get stuck in your head for sure. ‘Friend Like Me’ has been extended, given a showbiz make-over and is a spectacular stand out of the show. ‘Proud of Your Boy’ fits perfectly into the stage adaptation too and highlights the vocal talents of Adams as Aladdin during this resurrected ‘I Want’ number.
4. It’s a show for the whole family
The story of the musical doesn’t stray too far from the 1992 film allowing it to be easy to follow for young ones. The target demographic of the jokes spans across all ages with some punchlines designed to go over the heads of the children in the audience, and other slapstick moments getting great reactions from all. As a whole, the show is lighthearted and entertaining without taking itself too seriously. The choreography is fun, impressive and captivates any audience member.
5. The stage magic
For a show like Aladdin, it’s expected that there will be some great stage magic and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The moments with Genie are all dashed with magic, surprise and fun, there’s some incredibly quick costume changes and the iconic carpet ride is executed impeccably to look so effective and real. There’s moments leaving the audience in awe and wowing the crowd every night.
In summary, Aladdin is a great show that will be sure to entertain anyone who goes to see it. The talents of the cast are great, the beloved songs are all there and performed so well and the highlight of the show? The Genie, of course.
Aladdin is running at Sunderland Empire until 10th March then touring the rest of the UK until 2025. Get One Jump Ahead of everybody else, get your tickets by clicking here!
The Stagey Couple 