Dean John-Wilson will play the title role in Disney’s Aladdin alongside Jade Ewen as Jasmine when the new Disney musical receives its West End premiere at London’s Prince Edward Theatre next year.
The former Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, whose recent credits include the National Theatre’s Here Lies Love and From Here To Eternity in the West End, will take on the role of the loveable street urchin from 27 May.
He joins former Sugababe and current star of In The Heights, Ewen, and the previously announced Trevor Dion Nicholas as the show’s lamp-dwelling wish granter.
Don Gallagher and Peter Howe will join forces to bring the conniving double act Jafar and Iago to the London stage. Gallagher and Howe take on the roles of the classic tale’s antagonist and his trusty feathered sidekick following performances in West End musicals Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (Gallagher) and Matilda The Musical (Howe). Irvine Iqbal, who is currently appeared in Bend It Like Beckham The Musical, will play their boss, Jasmine’s father, the Sultan.
Aladdin’s three friends Babkak, Kassim and Omar will be portrayed on stage by Dinner With Saddam and Urinetown The Musical star Nathan Amzi, Emmerdale’s Stephen Rahman-Hughes (Bombay Dreams, Apollo Victoria Theatre) and Rachid Sabitri (Romeo And Juliet, Piccadilly Theatre).
The cast is completed by Arran Anzani-Jones, Miles Barrow, Albey Brookes, Lauren Chia, Bianca Cordice, Leon Craig, Daniel De Bourg, Seng Henk Goh, Melanie Elizabeth, Kade Ferraiolo, Michelle Chantelle Hopewell, Fred Johanson, Mitch Leow, Oliver Lidert, Thierry Picaut, Alex Pinder, Briony Scarlett, Kyle Seeley, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Ricardo Spriggs, Katie Singh, Dawnita Smith, Marsha Songcome, Kayleigh Thadani and Jermaine Woods.
Talking about this morning’s casting news, President and producer at Disney Theatrical Productions Thomas Schumacher said: “As we cast this exceptional company, I was impressed again – as I have been many times in the last two decades – by the vast, deep pool of musical theatre talent in London and throughout Britain. And how gratifying that talent is a microcosm of the country in all its diversity and distinction. I’m so proud this beautiful cast reflects that.”
Aladdin begins its run at the Prince Edward Theatre on 27 May and is currently booking until 1 October. Featuring many of the much-loved songs from the 1992 animated film alongside new numbers by Olivier and Tony Award winner Alan Menken, the musical will be brought to life on the London stage by The Book Of Mormon’s Casey Nicholaw, who directs and choreographs the production.