YOUNG musicians joined the orchestra of Disney’s Aladdin musical for a day of masterclasses at the Alhambra.

The Disney production launched its first ever Music Play Day at the Bradford theatre, giving 70 budding musicians chance to work with the orchestra from the hit show.

Young musicians aged 12 to 18 from the Bradford district enjoyed the hands-on experience of playing with a professional theatre orchestra.

Members of the Aladdin orchestra gave masterclasses on various instruments, with the group working towards a performance of the award-winning music from the show at the end of the day on the Alhambra stage.

Youngsters played a variety of instruments Youngsters played a variety of instruments (Image: Mike Simmonds)

The Music Play Day was aimed at inspiring and encouraging students who enjoy playing an instrument and giving them an insight into the daily work of a professional musician. The opportunity was offered to young people who have reached Grade 5 or above in an instrument.

Nancy Shakerley, Disney Theatrical Group’s Education and Audience Engagement Manager, said: “It’s a great opportunity for any musician who is considering a career in the creative industries.”

Professional musicians joined the youngsters at the Music Play DayProfessional musicians joined the youngsters at the Music Play Day (Image: Mike Simmonds)

The event followed the success of four Disney Theatrical Group music play days with The Lion King in Glasgow, Manchester and London.

Disney’s Aladdin is running at the Alhambra until September 1, on its first UK tour. The smash hit show is based on Disney’s 1992 animated film and features beloved songs from the film, including A Whole New World and Friend Like Me as well as new music by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin.

The production stars Yeukayi Ushe as Genie, Gavin Adams as Aladdin and Desmonda Cathabel as Jasmine.

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.

“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’,” says Yeukayi Ushe. “In terms of the story, it’s about three main characters - Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine - all trying to escape the circumstances of their birth. All of them feel trapped.”

Seen by more than 14 million people worldwide, the hugely popular musical features dazzling sets and special effects. Since opening on Broadway in 2014, nine subsequent productions have launched around the world, including London’s West End.

* For tickets for Aladdin visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call (01274) 432000.