Disney’s Aladdin At Birmingham Hippodrome, Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Make just one wish this Autumn… Disney’s Aladdin at Birmingham Hippodrome. It’s Genie-us!
Conjured from the award-winning animation of 1992, and previous Broadway and West End incarnations, this beloved and sell-out musical tale continues its UK tour at Birmingham Hippodrome. With a company of the world’s finest theatrical and creative talent bringing to life an all-time favourite Disney film, I was expecting an unforgettably magical evening…
And I could not be happier! Still beaming from ear to ear, my jaw aches from over two hours of smiling and laughing. I am a truly filled with cheer as I reflect upon an extraordinary night.
True to the narrative of the original film, with all the cherished characters (minus a few animal companions), and featuring the treasured classic songs of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, this musical delights with the familiar, as well as enriches with all new songs and characterisation.
The titular hero of the show, unbelievably making his professional debut, Gavin Adams, personifies the optimistic, fun-loving, and charming character perfectly., He uses intelligence and wit to best the villains of the show, as showcased in the lively ‘One Jump Ahead’. Then, immediately after, Gavin moves to a second solo, ‘Proud of your Boy’ which shows the depth of the character, insecurities and all; there is no doubt from this point on of the lead’s talent.
Capturing the vibrant, intelligent and strong Jasmine, Desmonda Cathabel lit up the stage with an assured and beautiful performance. Her solo rendition of, new song, ‘These Palace Walls’ really showcased her vocal range. The developing relationship with the ‘diamond in the rough’ was a joy to watch. The duos chemistry was tangible and their duet of ‘A Whole New World’, sung against a starlit night, was enchanting.
The heart and soul of this production undoubtedly comes from the Genie, brilliantly portrayed by the wonderful Yeukayi Ushe. Bursting with charisma and comedic flair, he masterfully brings the beloved character to life without attempting to imitate the late, great Robin Williams. Instead, he offers a fresh twist, infusing the role with his own unique brand of humour, energy and genuine warmth. His friendship with Aladdin is spot-on – both a mentor and a source of comic relief, guiding the hero through his journey of self-discovery. Dynamic performances throughout showcased his incredible vocal talent and his ability to engage the audience. With quick-witted banter and dazzling physicality, Yeukayi made every moment memorable, reminding us why the Genie remains a fan-favourite in the Aladdin saga.
The beloved animal companions from the nineties animation are creatively reimagined, allowing for a richer interaction live on stage. Cheeky-monkey Abu is transformed into Babkak, Omar, and Kassim (Nelson Bettencourt, Adam Taylor and Nay-Nay), a trio of lively companions who provide both comic relief and heartfelt support to Aladdin. The song introducing their friendship is great, capturing the camaraderie and excitement of their adventures together. Additionally, the new song ‘High Adventure’ is a fun, swashbuckling highlight in the second act, which show their loyalty and keeps the energy soaring. Meanwhile, Iago the parrot becomes a hilariously scheming human character (Angelo Paragoso), delivering sharp wit and comedic timing that perfectly bounce off the villainous Jafar (Adam Strong – with the best evil laugh), adding a delightful layer of humour to their sinister plot. Lastly, Raja the tiger is replaced by a trio of charming attendants, who not only serve Jasmine but also inject additional energy and humour into her scenes. This clever reimagining allows for more vocal exchanges and interactions, creating a lively ensemble that elevates the overall experience.
The Sultan (Jo Servi) of this version is no longer a bumbling leader, but a commanding presence. Which makes more sense when you consider how capable Jasmine is.
The main cast were partnered with an extraordinary ensemble. Showcasing a range of vocal and dance talent. Integral in every way, their renditions of the opening ‘Arabian Nights’ was a cacophony of colour and set the bar high for the musical numbers to come. The WOW scene was the swinging, big band favourite ‘Friend Like Me’. Pure sparkling gold, it had amazing visual effects, which had the audience clapping and tapping along. An astonishing and exuberant end to the first act which left you wishing for more!
Costumes, scenery, choreography and special effects have to be seen to be believed, all blended with uplifting orchestral music. With no small parts, every individual involved in this production thoroughly deserved the standing ovation. The finale had barely begun when the audience were on their feet!
Mesmerising and enchanting, Aladdin is pure joy! Energetic, heart-warming, funny, musically and visually spectacular – a truly phenomenal production! An unmissable show for young and old at the magnificent Birmingham Hippodrome. Book your Magic Carpet now and escape to a whole new world of theatre.
Five Magical Stars!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £20.
On Stage until 3rd November 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/disneys-aladdin/ call the box office on
0844 338 5000
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
Tour information: https://www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk/
The splendorous Birmingham Hippodrome stands within a clean, well-lit, and popular cultural heart of the city. The historic area and venue has benefited from extensive regeneration and considered transport links over the last two decades. The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a great day or night out in the bustling city. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. The Bullring and Grand Central train station are a short walk away.
The main foyer is modern and spacious, leading to all accessible levels. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked with a wide range of hot/cold drinks and treats; all of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and dress circle seats; both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.