Aladdin Jr

For the first time since the pandemic, the very youngest of the Norbury youth groups, ‘Beginners on Stage’ with all but two of the parts recast, due to the delay, presented two sold out performances for one day only. Based on the 1992 Academy Award winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway and West End show, Aladdin and his 3 closest friends, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the Princess Jasmin, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character.

The show opens with the Genie, played with strength by Alexis Steele. Alexis spoke up well and gave a confident expressive performance throughout. So too did Joshua Kelleher as Aladdin, who sang ‘Proud of Your Boy’ well. I liked Aladdin’s three friends Babkak, Omar and Kassim, played by Rose Horton, Molly Cross and Scarlett Swevels respectively. They worked very well together.

Martha Webb was every bit a Princess Jasmin and her number ‘These Palace Walls’ with  Isir,  Manal and Rajah (Alexie Annis, Olivia Hinton and Katie Spanswick), was well sung.

Some good support was provided by Scarlet Clark as the Sultan, Elliott Fitzhugh as Jafar and George Panrucker as the comic Iago. Connor Lloyd added a clear ‘Spooky Voice’ and the ‘Cave of Wonders’.

The rest of the company made a great effort and I have to say well done to everyone for singing to the required Disney ‘CD kit’. There was some good-looking scenery and the costumes and hair styles were fabulous. The magic carpet was very effective. It will be fascinating to see how these youngsters progress and after such a long break from normal activities congratulations are due to Director Paul Steele and the entire production team.

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