On Saturday Aladdin celebrated three magical years in London's West End. I want to say I was there on purpose, that I planned my trip for the anniversary, but the truth is I'd totally forgotten! I'd booked my tickets for Saturday's show because it was originally Courtney Reed's last night (it wasn't, so if you still haven't seen Broadway's original Jasmine you have at least two more weeks, so make sure you do!). It was pure, happy coincidence that her original end date lined up with the show's third anniversary and I am so, so happy that it did.
I'm not sure whether it was because it was the anniversary, or whether the new cast members (welcome!) have brought a new energy to the show but the atmosphere in the Prince Edward Theatre on Saturday night was positively electric. In fact, I would say it's one of the best performances I've ever seen of the show. Before we went I'd joked with Jane that I'd behave and save the standing ovation for the end of the show, but as I was sat watching Friend Like Me I knew I couldn't do that. Everyone on that stage was giving everything they had, they more than earned a standing ovation. Aladdin is always a joyous experience, but the energy coming off that stage this weekend just raised it another level.
One of the joys of having the show in London is getting to see it more, and being able to just watch what goes on in the background of the scenes. Seriously, next time you're at the show take a moment to watch the ensemble, as well as Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, as they react to the action. Watching the trio (when they're not the focus) is one of my favourite things and Leon, Julian, and Daniel never disappoint. And I have to say I love how much audiences embrace these characters in the show. Including deleted characters was always a risk, so it's incredible to see it pay off night after night.
Trevor was in incredible form, as always, keeping the audience, and Matt, in stitches. But it was even more hilarious to see Matt giving as good as he got! Matt and Trev play off each other so well, it makes the show funnier but also increases the emotional stakes as you can feel the friendship there. And Courtney continues to be the perfect Jasmine. The first time I saw Courtney in London last month I was nervous. Not about her performance, I knew she would knock it out of the park like she always does (and she did), but it was the first time I would see her with an Aladdin that wasn't Adam Jacobs. No matter how much I adore Matt as Aladdin, I was stupidly worried that it might seem weird seeing her on that magic carpet with someone else. Needless to say, it didn't. It felt natural. It felt right. And I love Courtney and Matt together in these roles, and they just get better every time I see them.
Irvine's Sultan remains a favourite, able to be the firm father figure, but always with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and excellent comic timing. Ivan De Freitas stepped in as Jafar (at what I'm assuming was fairly last minute as the cast board still said Fred Johanson), and he and Jermaine Woods (Iago) gave deliciously evil performances as the villains of the piece.
I've always said that the ensemble is make or break for Aladdin and they certainly made it on Saturday! Sheer joy radiated from that stage, making it all the more heartbreaking that it will all come to an end in 10 weeks time. If you still haven't seen it yet, or have been meaning to go again, now is the time. The show is the best it's ever been, full of magic, heart, and wonder, you can't help but leave with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
The magical evening ended with Trev taking the stage and going live to the world on Instagram as audience members were given an exclusive 3rd anniversary poster. But that couldn't be all. After all, a Genie can grant three wishes! So out came the golden raffle machine filled with every seat number in the house. I still remember when Trev drew the first show lottery winners from this when the show first opened! Matt, Courtney, and Trev each drew one lucky winner to receive a bag of Disney swag, a special version of the anniversary poster signed by the cast, and a trip back stage to have their photo taken with the three stars! Now that's a wish!
The evening ended as Trev called forward a very special group of people. Those who had been with the cast from the beginning, who will have been making magic in Agrabah from when the show opened until when it closes later this year, for all the high adventures along the way.
Salaam worthy friends, we'll be back soon because it's not yet the end. And I'm not ready to say goodbye just yet.
