Uncovering a Whole New World, Hannah Millbank enjoys Disney’s West End production of Aladdin at the Bristol Hippodrome
“Mwah-ha-ha, mwah-ha-ha-ha, mwah-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa”; the sound of our two boys trying out their best evil laughs during the interval of Disney’s Aladdin was enough to tell us how much they were enjoying themselves.
None of us, however, could curl our lip or raise a single eyebrow like the malevolent Jafar does, as he and his sidekick Iago, accompanied by their fully accomplished evil laughs, plot to trick our hero Aladdin into seeking out the story’s infamous lamp.
Of course, we all know there’s more to this lamp than first appears. And while colour and dance and song burst forth from the moment the curtains lift on this spectacle of a show, there is no doubt that Genie steals the show. As Aladdin finds himself trapped inside the Cave of Wonders, unable to resist the treasures that hide within, a simple rub of the innocuous lamp unleashes of a chain of events that entertains us for the remainder of the evening.
Genie’s sudden appearance in the cave results in one of those theatrical scenes you wish you could press rewind on to watch again and again. The previously gloomy stage comes alive with dancers, glittering confetti and a sprinkling of magic and humour, as Genie’s dazzling performance of You ain’t never had a friend like me embodies the vibrant spirit of the show.
From here, we move into the age-old story of two young people falling for each other and navigating the inevitable challenges that come when different worlds collide. From the opening scene, Aladdin and his friends are plagued by shouts of “street rat” from the Royal Guards, as they flee the scene of petty theft in Agrabah’s colourful marketplace; while Princess Jasmine rebels against the traditions of a girl born into the trappings of royal riches and privilege.
Brought together by trust, romance and a flight aboard a flying carpet (thanks to Genie’s magical abilities), the unlikely love-match finally win over the heart of the Sultan, but not before defeating the evil Jafar and releasing Genie to head off in a Hawaiian shirt to a place far, far away.
Morals abound in this uplifting show: the underdog comes out on top; baddies get their comeuppance; the strength of friendship and kindness and tolerance are central themes throughout. But despite its apparent cliches and familiar formula, this is a one-of-a-kind show that has you smiling and tapping your feet until the final curtain drops.
Oh, and be warned. You’ll almost certainly spend the next day breaking into your evilest ‘mwah-ha-ha’, so maybe let your family and colleagues know before you go!
Aladdin is playing at the Bristol Hippodrome from Wed 10 Jul – Sun 11 Aug 2024. For more information and to book tickets, go to https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/bristol-hippodrome/