Disney’s spectacular West End and Broadway musical has arrived at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre. The show takes the audience on a journey filled with magic, comedy and entertainment.
There have been many adaptations of this classic story performed at the Alhambra over the years, most notably the annual pantomime version starring panto legend Billy Pearce. Though Pearce is absent during this production, the cast, led by Yeukayi Ushe as the Genie in the lamp, provided a show that was big, bold and colourful.
A classic tale of adventure and romance
Deputising as Aladdin, Kerry Spark rose to the challenge brilliantly with a boyish charm that was innocent and believable. The main essence of the story remains intact, set in the fictional city of Agrabah. The young Aladdin discovers a magic lamp that grants him three wishes, setting him on a journey to win the heart of Princess Jasmine (Desmonda Cathabel). To succeed, however, he must contend with the evil Jafar (Adam Strong), who seeks to control the kingdom’s wealth.
There were comedy moments scattered throughout the show, notably in the scenes where Jafar and his sidekick Iago (Angelo Paragoso) are on stage, though the majority of one-liners delivered seemed to fly over the heads of many in the audience.
Yeukayi Ushe dazzles as the Genie
Commanding the stage whenever he appeared, Ushe was magical,his stage presence and rapport with the audience holding attention throughout.
This being a Disney production, you would expect the special effects to be outstanding, and they were up to a point. The scene where Aladdin and the Princess take a ride on the flying carpet was impressive, though when you have seen the panto version at the Alhambra where the carpet travels over the stalls, it all seems rather pale in comparison.
The songs are uplifting and joyful, from opening number Arabian Nights to more familiar ones such as A Whole New World. They give this version of Aladdin the impression of a feelgood musical, which it certainly is. These songs will linger in your memory long after you’ve seen the show.
Naturally there is a happy ending and the audience rightly gave the show a standing ovation. If you want to escape from the trials and tribulations of the modern world for two hours, you will not find a better pick-you-up than this stunning production. Pure Genie-us.
Runs until at Bradford Alhambra until Sunday 1 September before continuing the tour.
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