Disney's Aladdin at The Bristol Hippodrome

Posted on: 2024-07-12

Our rating:

Simply magical!

You must see this production filled with romance, magic, and comedy. The show is vibrant and fun, with energetic choreography, and dazzling costumes. The musical's score features well-known songs, such as ‘Arabian Nights’, ‘A Whole New World', ‘Friend Like Me' and many more Tim Rice tunes.

 

The show has a host of well-loved characters- Aladdin (Gavin Adams), Princess Jasmine (Desmonda Cathabel) , and not forgetting the charismatic and lovable Genie (Yeukayi Ushe), and of course the villainous Jafar (Adam Strong) and his comedic sidekick Iago (Angelo Paragoso).

This wasn't our favourite Disney musical, in fact, we had never seen it before, but the musical's opening was a rainbow of vivid jewel-tone colours displayed with sumptuous costumes of differing textures and designs. The costumes were stunning- colourful and bedecked with embroidery, sequins, and gems…my granddaughter and I were mesmerized.

 

The quick and seamless costume changes of which there were many, were expertly carried out, usually on stage amidst the singing and dancing. The music was expertly conducted and didn't overpower or drown out the cast's voices.

I felt the cast took a while to warm up and relax into the performance. But in saying that, my seven-year-old grandchildren, and in fact all the children in the audience, were enthralled and entertained throughout the whole show. A number of children were dressed up and the atmosphere was one of pure joy.

 

My grandson was entertained by the antics of the genie. He also loved the spooky cave scenes with the disembodied voice, and also the magic act with the person/s disappearing and reappearing in the box. 

The children were also wide-eyed and amazed by the cavern scene where the genie and the lamp were discovered- the stage was dripping with gold and gems, it was all so bright and shiny! But their favourite scene, by far, was the breathtaking magic carpet ride taken by Aladdin and Jasmine, they were captivated and in awe. 

 

The children were very tired by the end of the performance and my grandson, who has autism, had to leave to get some fresh air. However, the staff at the Bristol Hippodrome were very helpful and supportive. The performance would have been ideal had it started and finished an hour earlier. But the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and slept all the way home. It was the perfect end-of-the-school-year treat! Simply magical.

Disney's Aladdin runs at The Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday 11 August 2024, grab your tickets while you still can HERE.

 

Images: Deen Van Meer

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Article by:

Colette Hand

Colette Hand, BA graduate of Bath Spa University and retired primary school teacher. Now an avid crafter for charity and volunteer shop assistant for SENSE charity. Enjoys time spent with twin grandchildren.