Disney's Aladdin is heading to Bradford Alhambra for three weeks

Disney’s Aladdin started life as an Oscar-winning 1992 animation - featuring a memorable performance by Robin Williams’ as the Genie. Aladdin inspired a TV show, theme park rides and a musical.

Featuring an array of special effects, not least a flying carpet taking Aladdin and Jasmine through a shimmering starlit sky, the Broadway and West End hit features much-loved songs from the animated film.

The show is heading for Bradford on its first ever UK tour (Image: Deen Van Meer)

Based on Arabian folk tale Aladdin and the Magic Lamp from One Thousand and One Nights, it’s the story of a spirited street urchin tricked into entering a cave filled with jewels and a magic lamp. A sensational Genie and three wishes leads to Aladdin faking a regal identity to impress Jasmine, the sultan’s daughter.

Taking the larger-than-life role of Genie in the show is Yeukayi Ushe, whose other theatre credits include The Lion King and Kinky Boots. Describing Aladdin as “a night of Broadway-style glitz, glamour and magic with true heart”, he tells the T&A what to expect from the show:

* How would you sum up Genie?

“He’s this magical being who is full of sunshine, wit, energy and vibrance. I can only hope to live up to the massive list of incredible people who’ve played the role before me. He’s like nobody I have ever played before. He’s just so full of energy, so front-footed and so much fun. Hopefully I can relate to his sunshine and warmth. When I enter a room, I try to be that person who people can come up to and talk to. He’s like your best friend really, the kind of person who will help you, come rain or shine.

'Genie is like your best friend really' (Image: Deen Van Meer)

“Genie is a character where you have all of this creative license, all of this comedy and these iconic songs that he gets to sing. Having played Simba in The Lion King, to get to play another iconic Disney character is amazing. There’s no way I was going to pass up this opportunity.”

* Does the role present any challenges?

“There are challenges in the different dance and vocal styles and in the homage to the icons of Broadway. There’s so much to dedicate yourself to and to lend yourself to. It’s hard - but hey, Broadway’s hard!”

* When did you first saw Aladdin and what effect did it have on you?

“I’m a massive Disney fan so I’ve watched the movie a fair few times. Before I knew that Genie was Robin Williams I was like ‘Is this really just one actor voicing this character?’ I was inspired by his performance, and then you’ve got the underdog story of Aladdin as well.

“It made me think that I can be anything, I can shape shift and do whatever I want. And then the music. My God, the music!”

* Speaking of the music...what’s your favourite song in the show and why?

“That’s a really difficult question because the score is beautiful. Prince Ali is great and so full of life but I would have to say my favourite has to be Friend Like Me. In that number you get treated to all the magic, the glamour, the abundance, and the song builds and builds and builds.”

* What makes the story relatable to today’s audiences?

“In terms of representation, with the company and cast there is somebody on stage that everybody can look at and feel ‘that could be me’. Then in terms of the story, it’s about three main characters - Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine - who are all trying to escape the circumstances of their birth. All of them feel trapped and, casting our minds back to lockdown, we were all trying to escape in some way, right?

“The show allows you to dream and it gives you a sense of hope - a sense that anything is possible.”

Gavin Adams as Aladdin and Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine (Image: Deen Van Meer)

* What led you into a showbusiness career?

“It was Robin Williams. His performances in Mrs Doubtfire and Aladdin inspired me from such a young age because there were no limitations to his voice, his comedy and the characters he played.

“I also watched a lot of Disney animation growing up, which was probably a good way to keep us quiet but it made me want to do this career.”

* What have been your favourite stage roles so far?

“I’d say Kinky Boots was one of my absolute favourites. I loved playing Lola, giving people that sense of escapism but also spreading the message of ‘Just be who you wanna be’.

“Aladdin is very similar. It says you can be who you want to be. You don’t have to just accept the circumstances you were born into.

“It’s wonderful that I get to take these stories - with these characters who are larger than life but who are also very human at the heart of it - up and down the country.”

* What are you most looking forward to about touring?

“I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the crowds that I connected with on the Kinky Boots tour circuit, going to all the coffee shops I frequented and seeing new places that I otherwise maybe wouldn’t travel to, which have loads of hidden gems. It’s amazing that a Disney musical is taking me to these corners of the country.

“Bradford has a special place in my heart because I was there, in Kinky Boots, when I got the news that I’d be playing Simba in The Lion King.”

* Finally, if you could have three wishes granted, what would they be?

“I’d wish for the ability to eat anything that I wanted with the proviso that wouldn’t gain any weight.

“I would wish to travel to so many beautiful places across the world without having to queue up and get on a flight - I’d just click my fingers and I’m there. And lastly, I’d wish for my family and my friends to be comfortable and happy.”

* As reported in the T&A this week, budding musicians will be given hands-on experience with the Aladdin orchestra when the Disney production launches a Musical Play Day at the Alhambra.

Taking place on August 20, the programme will welcome up to 70 young musicians aged 12-18, who have reached Grade 5 or above in an instrument, to masterclasses given by members of the orchestra - working towards a performance of the award-winning music from the show at the end of the day on the Alhambra stage.

* Aladdin runs at the Alhambra from August 14 to September 2. Call (01274) 432000 or visit bradford-theatres.co.uk