Disney’s Aladdin musical brought a whole new world of wonder to the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. Filled with magic, an evil sorcerer, one hilarious genie and a daring love story, this musical has proven one jump ahead of the rest.
The Backstory
Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre (Photo: Johan Persson)
Disney’s Aladdin is the stage adaptation of the the 1992 Academy Award-winning animated film of the same name. Its Oscar wins were for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, meaning it was just a matter of time until a stage adaptation was made. But eager theatregoers had to wait, as it took 19 years for it to happen.
In 2010, renowned composer Alan Menken announced the musical adaptation. He was joined by Chad Beguelin. The pair created four new songs for the show as well as using the songs written by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. In 2011, Disney’s Aladdin had a trial run in Seattle before going on tour and eventually earning a place on Broadway. It received five Tony Award nominations. In 2016, the musical opened in the West End where its mind-blowing special affects, lavish costumes and breathtaking sets are packing out the house.
In 2016, it was announced that Guy Ritchie will be directing a live-action remake of the film.
What is Aladdin about?
Based on Arabic folklore, Disney’s Aladdin tells the story of the eponymous young, wily street urchin who dreams of a richer future, and the guarded princess Jasmine, who’s desperate for freedom.
When the young thief is accosted by an evil sorcerer, he finds himself in the legendary Cave of Wonders where he meets a charming, lamp-dwelling genie who grants him three wishes. With his new friend and his wishes, he reinvents himself and meets the woman of his dreams. But will she love the real him?
What age is Aladdin appropriate for?
Disney’s Aladdin is recommended for audiences aged 6 and over. Please note this production contains theatrical smoke and fog effects, pyrotechnics, strobe lighting and loud noises.
How long is Aladdin?
Disney’s Aladdin musical is 2 hours and 30 minutes long, including one interval. Performances are normally from Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.
Where is Aladdin playing in London?
The Prince Edward Theatre hosts the musical
Disney’s Aladdin is playing at the Prince Edward Theatre in the heart of London’s Soho. It’s one of London’s finest Art Deco theatres, and is surrounded by great restaurants for a pre- or post-show meal.
How do I get to the Prince Edward Theatre?
The Prince Edward Theatre is approximately 300 metres from Leicester Square tube station and 400 metres from Tottenham Court Road tube station. You can also get to the show via overground train to London’s Charing Cross, which is 550 metres away.
Will Aladdin be touring?
Disney’s Aladdin is currently not touring the UK. The only place to see it is the Prince Edward Theatre in the West End.
Who is in the London cast of Disney’s Aladdin?
Jade Ewen stars as Jasmine in Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre (Photo: Johan Persson)
Aladdin has a huge cast consisting of 39 members. There are a total of 350 costumes used in each performance. The current cast includes British popstar Jade Ewen and New York’s Trevor Dion Nicholas.
- Matthew Croke plays Aladdin. Matthew previously starred in Funny Girl, Wicked and Grease. The role was originally played by Dean-John Wilson in the West End production.
- Jade Ewen plays Jasmine. A previous member of the Sugababes, Jade is an acclaimed recording artist. Prior to this part, Jade starred in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical In The Heights.
- Trevor Dion Nicholas plays Genie. Trevor comes from the Broadway production of the show. His previous credits include Rent, The Wizard Of Oz and Into The Woods.
- Fred Johanson plays Jafar. Fred is a seasoned international theatre actor with credits in Sunset Boulevard and Evita.
- Jermaine Woods plays Iago. In the 1992 film, Iago was a parrot and voiced by the very distinctive Gilbert Gottfried.
- Irvine Iqbal plays the Sultan. Irvine has an extensive CV. He’s appeared in Bend It Like Beckham, Wuthering Heights and Bombay Dreams.
Where did Disney’s Aladdin originally open?
Aladdin first opened for a short two-week run at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle in 2011. It then went on a regional and international tour during 2012 before opening in Toronto in 2013.
Eventually, it opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014. It then opened in the West End in May 2016 at the Prince Edward Theatre, where it’s still playing.
Will I like it?
Disney’s Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre (Photo: Johan Persson)
Packed with songs you’ve loved for the past 25 years, there’s romance, mystery and a whole lot of magic. Now, you try and tell us that’s not a wish come true.
Disney’s Aladdin has some of the most breathtaking scenes in the West End, including tricks by master illusionist Jim Steinmeyer (known for his work with David Copperfield) and choreography from The Book Of Mormon’s Casey Nicholaw. It’s a bright, colourful and enchanting show that is loved by children, adults and everyone in between. With a hilarious turn from Trevor Dion Nicholas and beautiful vocals from Jade Ewen and Matthew Croke, you’ll be thrilled to meet Prince Ali and all his pals when you see the show.
Where can I buy Aladdin tickets?
Right here with us! Just visit Official London Theatre’s Disney’s Aladdin page to find the best available tickets for great prices.