Aladdin hits the West End

At one point Aladdin the Musical ranked eleventh in TripAdvisor’s 363 best attractions in New York city. It’s a brilliant feast of top show tune classics by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, well-loved songs including Friend Like Me and the Academy Award winner A Whole New World. But there’s more, in the shape of a brand new book by Chad Beguelin of The Wedding Singerfame, plus a suite of new songs.

The movie dates back to 1992 and, at 23 years old, the story is just as potent as ever. Kids love it, grown ups love it. If it’s beginning to sound a lot like a family favourite, you’re spot on. It’s great fun for everyone, whatever your age, more or less guaranteed to reduce the whole family to tears of joy and laughter.

The film won many awards, most for the legendary soundtrack. Since then there have been two direct-to-video sequels, The Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, plus a TV series and a wealth of show merchandise.

Disney’s work transfers beautifully from screen to stage. The Broadway adaptation debuted in 2014 and has played to non-stop run of packed houses on Broadway. A West End transfer has been on the cards for ages, if the rumours are true, and the word on the streets is we’re predicting a similarly massive musical hit over here.

What’s the plot? If you’ve seen the movie you’ll know the score. Aladdin is a street urchin, poor and ragged. When he meets the lovely Princess Jasmine he loses his heart to her charms. But Jasmine can only marry into royalty, she can’t wed a pauper.

Thankfully Aladdin is the owner of a magic lamp and the genie within knows exactly how to help him win the heart and hand of his love. Abu, his loyal monkey friend, is at hand too. But victory involves beating the evil Jafar, Grand Vizier to the Sultan, and he’s a formidable foe.

Magic carpets, kidnappings, theft and all manner of thrilling adventures commence. And of course there’s a wonderfully happy ending, as you’d expect from Disney.

This is the perfect theatre treat, shooting straight to the heart with a colourful parade of sing-along favourites, vibrant and vivid sets, amazing costumes and absolutely fantastic storytelling. How can you resist?

Booking from: Friday, 27 May 2016
Booking until: Saturday, 1 October 2016

Prince Edward Theatre
28 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4HS