Final West End Wishes

So here we are. Tomorrow, Disney's Aladdin will take its final magic carpet ride in the West End. And what a carpet ride it has been. Even though we've known this was coming for almost a year, it's only really hit me this week. Preparing to see the show one last time and seeing the outpouring of love between the cast across social media, I'm reminded of just how special this show really is.

From first preview to closing night this has been an incredible journey. I won't say too much now. I know I'll have plenty to post after tomorrow's closing performance, but I just wanted to take a moment to reflect and be thankful for everything this show has given me over the years, the friends we have made, the experiences we've shared. It truly has been a wish come true.

If you count the shows in wishes then we have 3 left. 3 wishes. I can't help but think that's fitting. Part of me wishes I could freeze time tomorrow, keep the show just as it is. But part of the beauty of live theatre is that it exists in the moment. I'm so glad to have shared in this one. And now it's time to say goodbye, or salaam, enjoy the magic once more, and look to the future. Because for each and every talented performer on that stage the future is bright and I'm excited to see what it has in store.

And for Aladdin in the UK? I'm sure this isn't the last we've seen of our favourite street rat and his friends. It may be a while but I'm optimistic we'll see a tour or revival one day. It's too good not to. The show says it best; "Salaam worthy friend, come back soon, that's the end. Till another Arabian Night."

Aladdin London to Close Next Year

I can't find the right words for this. I was genuinely shocked this morning when I learnt that Aladdin will be closing in the West End next year, making way for a new production of Mary Poppins.

The first I knew about it was when I saw Facebook advert for Mary Poppins. My first thought was that it would be a limited run to tie into Mary Poppins Returns when that comes out this Christmas. A moment later I saw the date, 2019, and the theatre, the Prince Edward, and my heart sank.

Now, I want to say I am in no way wanting to take anything away from Mary Poppins. I'm happy for all the cast and creative team, and excited to see their new production when it opens. But Aladdin will always have my heart, and I am heart broken that the show is closing next year.

In the announcement of Mary Poppins' return it was confirmed that Aladdin will be granting it's final West End wishes on Saturday 31st August 2019.

I've saw the show on it's first West End preview, on opening night, and many more times since. But today's news really hit home that I haven't seen it anywhere near as much as I'd like to. I have just under a year to change that. And you can bet I'll be there on the last night too, even if they don't sell tickets and I have to sneak in through a skylight or something crazy, I'll be there.

You should be there to. Not necessarily closing night, but if you care about this show enough to read this blog, and you live in the UK, then you should go again (because I'm assuming most of you reading this will have already been at least once). We have one year left to experience the joy and magic of this show live on stage, and we should seize every chance we get to do so.

The silver lining is that the show's run hasn't really been cut short. Beauty and the Beast ran for 2 years in London, Mary Poppins' original run was just over 3 years. By the time it closes Aladdin will have also run just over 3 years. I'd need to double check the math but I believe Aladdin will have run just longer than Mary Poppins to be Disney Theatrical's second longest running show in the West End (and if you count the preview performances it definitely is).

And it's not closing mid-booking period. The show is currently booking through to February 9th, so there's at least one more booking extension to come, and the current cast contracts, based on the show's history, are likely to run through to June. Hopefully everyone will agree to extend for the show's final months, but it's nice to think that no one is having their existing contract cut short because of this.

So yeah, I'm trying to be positive. And on that positive note, both Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins followed their West End runs with a UK National Tour. So maybe the show, like Genie, isn't going away, it's just hitting the road. I know both Matthew Croke (Aladdin) and Leon Craig (Babkak, Stand By Genie) are Northerners, so I'm wishing with all my might that they get to headline a national tour together and play to their home crowd. I've said before I'd love for Leon to do a UK tour as Genie, sure this wasn't how I pictured it happening but I'd still love for it to happen.

For now though, we still have a year left with this amazing show and this incredible cast in the West End. I intend to be there an often as I can to both show my support and just to take in the sheer magic and joy that this show brings.

It's not over yet, so keep making magic everyone.

Farewell to the Kings of New York

The Cast of Newsies



In 2011 Disney Theatrical, working with regional theatres, developed Pilot Productions of two shows.  The first was Aladdin and if you're reading this blog then chances are that you know the story behind that production.  The second was Newsies.

Like Aladdin, Newsies was based on a 1992 Disney musical and the Pilot Production, produced at the Papermill Playhouse, was not intended for Broadway.  Like Aladdin, the intention was for Newsies to be a licensable production for professional and amateur regional groups who had long been requesting an official stage version of the musical from Disney and MTI.  Like Aladdin, the fans of Newsies had other ideas and support for the Papermill's Pilot Production was overwhelming.  And, unlike Aladdin, the Newsies had the critics on their side.  Within a month of closing in New Jersey it was announced that Newsies would be carrying the banner all the way to Broadway in March 2012.

Originally announced as a limited run of 101 performances the fans once again turned out in overwhelming support for Newsies that saw it's limited run extended to an open ended stay on Broadway.

Today, after 1005 performances, the Newsies will take their final bow on Broadway.

I was lucky enough to see this fantastic show when I went to New York earlier this year.  It's a great night at the theatre and the choreography is incredible.  If you have the chance I would highly recommend seeing the US Tour which starts in October.

Today, I just want to wish the cast and crew a fabulous closing show and congratulations on their record breaking run.  Farewell, Kings of New York.