REVIEW ROUND UP: Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre

So what did UK theatre critics and theatre bloggers think of Aladdin at London's Prince Edward Theatre.

Dean Jean Wilson as Aladdin. Photo: Deen van Meer

Douglas Mayo, BritishTheatre.com  ✭✭✭✭

Whilst the pantomime comparison is inevitable, this production of Aladdin, is a big hit show that is perfectly at home in London’s West End. It’s a fast paced, energetic and supremely satisfying night at the theatre, and I daresay one that people will want to return to such is the joy that it brings.

Michael Billington, The Guardian ✭✭✭✭

Imagine a Christmas panto minus the dame and with a budget of zillions and you get some idea of this musical extravaganza. At first, I resisted the corporate zeal that has taken the 1992 Disney animated feature and turned it into a live show, but I gradually found myself won over by the blend of spectacle, illusion and a greater supply of corn than you will find in the Kansas wheatfields.

Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph ✭✭✭

Yet isn’t this opulent stage version of the 1992 film really just panto in disguise? Sure, there’s an original score instead of borrowed pop hits; yep, there’s no audience-participation, dodgy innuendos or slapstick. And we’re in a land of American accents. But at root it does exactly what the British pantomime does – takes an old folk-tale and drapes it in the tinsel of cheery comedy, cutesy romance, colourful designs and lively song and dance routines.

My honest advice, as a usually profligate dad? Save your shekels.

Ash Percival, Huffington Post ✭✭✭✭

But overall, this is a shining, shimmering, splendid musical that sits with ‘The Lion King’ in terms of its magnificence. With that Disney production currently celebrating its 17th glorious year in London’s West End, there’s no doubt that ‘Aladdin’ is destined for the same fate.

Henry Hitchins, Evening Standard ✭✭✭✭

Casey Nicholaw’s big-budget production is packed with busy numbers, calculated to distract us from such details. Although the magic carpet ride that accompanies one of the best-known songs, A Whole New World, may not reach dizzy heights, Bob Crowley’s sets are awash with bling and there are some dazzling special effects.

Wilma DuBois, West End Wilma ✭✭✭

The big difference between Aladdin on Broadway and Aladdin in London is that we know the show so well as a pantomime. America doesn’t have a panto culture and so will see the show as a funny comedy musical but to me I just saw a very expensive glorified pantomime that I could see for a fraction of the price all around the country at Christmas.

Aladdin is a good, fun and colourful show that is very much enjoyable but sadly doesn’t quite live up to the hype it has received.

Emma Clarendon, Love London Love Culture

This is a production that will appeal to a wide audience, filled with charm and spirit that will certainly make you leave the theatre with a huge smile on your face and a song in your heart. Some will no doubt find it lacking in substance, but if you take it for what it is: a light hearted and fun evening out – you will certainly find plenty to enjoy.

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