Disney’s Aladdin at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amanda Dando
Disney’s Aladdin is at Milton Keynes Theatre and this is one special show. Milton Keynes Theatre sits in central Milton Keynes and is surrounded by good places for a quick bite or drink pre show. On arrival there were very long queues which was a sign of a packed theatre. The staff were quick and efficient though and we wear soon shown to our seats. As to be expected for a Disney Show, there were people of all ages, from the very young to the very old, all eagerly awaiting the main event.
I don’t even know where to start. Spellbinding, from the outset, this is a show of epic proportions. A show for all ages, a show to carry you away with your imagination, a show with laughs, song, dancing, and the most wonderful cast. Blown away is an understatement. If you don’t know the story, I won’t spoil it, but there is a Genie, a baddy Sultan, a wannabe prince, a princess, and the doting father, oh and I forgot the magic carpet. Truly for me the star of the show is Yeukayi Ushe as the Genie, what a stage presence, what a voice, what an actor, the comic timing and just in awe of the performance. Fantastic. The cast is just outstanding, Gavin Adam’s as Aladdin is just gorgeous and plays the part amazingly well, alongside the very lovely Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine, who is beautiful. They must feel so very privileged to work with what must have been some of the best sets I’ve ever seen at Milton Keynes, along with the most wonderful costumes, not just for the girls but the men to, it made for the most breath taking spectacle.
There was a moment in the first half that everyone was cheering and clapping so much, you would be forgiven for thinking that it was the finale. Such was the quality of the show. I didn’t want it to end, even though I knew it would. Favourite song, a whole new world, and the magical set with the flying carpet. It was a dreamy moment, the singing was superb, as was the setting with twinkling lights and the magic carpet flying through the night sky.
Standout medley by the Genie, in the golden cave, singing many of our favourite Disney songs, was just awesome. Although some tweaks to the story we know, they all work on stage. Everything on stage is a site to behold, I have not seen costumes of this standard ever outside the west end, so well done to everyone involved. The all singing all cast moments were just something to behold. Colourful for the market scenes, sumptuous and sparkly for the palace. It really was the west end comes to your local theatre, it was a show of a standard I have never seen locally. There was no expense spared as far as I could see, with a finale that more than matched the rest of the show. Thank you for the most wonderful evening, we have come home humming Arabian Nights and with the biggest of smiles. The temptation to book and go again this week is huge, what a show, what a night, what an experience.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £20 plus transaction fee of £3.80
Aladdin is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 24 April to 19 May 2024
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/milton-keynes-theatre/
For more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com or call the box office 0844 871 7627
Milton Keynes Theatre 500 Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ