Disney show Aladdin dazzles at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until 29th September
Theatre goers are invited to embark on an Arabian adventure as the breathtakingly spectacular Disney show Aladdin plays at Southampton Mayflower Theatre this month.
Packed with beautifully choreographed dance numbers, magical special effects and a cast that sparkles, Aladdin is a perfect family show to engage young children with plenty that will appeal to all ages.
Sticking closely to the Arabian tale depicted in the 1992 Disney animation, the stage show also delivers a few new elements such as Aladdin’s group of loyal friends who vow to stick with him through thick and thin, and a number of new musical hits.
The scenery is opulent and the action fast-paced, with plenty of genie-us special effects that made my children gasp with wonder!
It is a chance meeting between the beautiful and sassy Princess Jasmine and street orphan with a heart-of-gold Aladdin which really changes the course of destiny, as the pair form a special connection while hiding out from the king’s guards in the market place.
Determined to win the princess’s heart, Aladdin agrees to help the villainous Jafar in a quest to retrieve a magical lamp from the Cave of Wonders. However, things don’t go according to plan and Aladdin finds himself trapped in a cave with the brilliantly flamboyant Genie of the Lamp (Yeukayi Ushe).
A firm favourite with my children, Yeukayi was perfect in the role of the larger-than-life genie, delivering a performance full of energy, comedy moments and spectacular musical numbers such as Prince Ali and a Friend Like Me, accompanied by a dazzling cast of brilliantly choreographed dancers.
The chemistry between Desmonda Cathabel as the beautiful Princess Jasmine and Gavin Adams as Prince Ali was electric, and the scene in which the pair gracefully float high above the Mayflower stage on a magical carpet is definitely a high point of the show.
Adam Strong as the wicked Jafar was every bit the panto-style baddy, complete with a brilliant evil laugh; and alongside him Angelo Paragoso was a great sidekick, delivering many comedy moments. With an ensemble that positively dazzled in a stunning array of costumes, the show really was an adrenalin-fuelled journey filled with colour and joy!
Magical and irrepressibly joyful, Aladdin is a wonderful family show which blends plenty of Disney nostalgia with a superb cast and stunning scenery.
Catch it at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until 29th September. For more information and tickets visit www.mayflower.org.uk
