Theatre / Features
Behind the scenes of Aladdin at Bristol Hippodrome
There are 34 magic carpets used in the Disney production of Aladdin at the Bristol Hippodrome.
And they are just part of an inventory of some 700 items which also include multiple swords, wigs, robes, turbans and fruit carts.
On a recent visit behind the scenes at the theatre, Bristol24/7 had the chance to catch a glimpse of the magic which goes into putting on such an ambitious show.
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“It’s just a burst of energy,” said Gavin Adams, who plays the titular role in the show.
“There’s so much colour. The costume and the set are just gorgeous.
“We have so many audience members comment on how colourful and sparkly the show is. It’s so enticing.
“When all these minute details come together it becomes this huge spectacle and it allows us to tell the story in a way people will connect with.”
Musical theatre stars Gavin Adams and Desmonda Cathabel break down the magic formula of Aladdin at @BristolHipp pic.twitter.com/r7HEwhpPQY
— Milan Gregory Perera (@stbonscc) July 12, 2024
Desmonda Cathabel, who plays Jasmine, added: “You’ll leave the theatre still laughing and snapping your fingers. I think our musical excels on that.
“Aladdin is such a timeless story. Everyone knows it. It’s a moral story. It’s so clear. It just makes a perfect musical.
“The biggest selling point for this is the magic. You’ll probably never get it anywhere else, especially the Disney magic.
“You get the sparkles, the panache and just the quality in front of your eyes.
“And obviously the iconic songs. Everyone knows the songs. I think that’s the biggest selling point of Aladdin.”
The set consists of some 700 minutely detailed props
Prince Ali’s costume is encrusted with thousands of Swarovski crystals and has taken some 120 hours of painstaking work
As part of this national tour, there are nine shows a week on average.
Playing night after night to fresh audiences is without a doubt a challenge but the duo said they have their own “hacks” to keep the fatigue at bay.
Adams said: “Everyone is so supportive and we get on really well. And we always are willing to help each other out when someone is a little bit down or if they need some help whether it’s comfort food or drinks or rest.
“And of course the social events we have. Lot of us are very sociable. Even if we are very tired, it’s nice to have that outlet to have a chat and let some air out.”
Yeukayi Ushe who plays Genie expressed his delight at returning to Bristol Hippodrome where he finds himself as a “child in a candy shop”
Yeukayi Ushe, who plays Genie, said that playing to a Bristol audience for the first time “was a delight”.
He said: “Bristol Hippodrome is so expansive. I felt like a kid in the candy shop.
“Genie gets to interact with the audience a lot. Bristol audiences are incredible. I’ve played here before and I knew I was coming back as well. And it was so much fun.”
Adam Strong relishes the challenge of the villain of the popular Disney musical
Also speaking to Bristol24/7 was Adam Strong who plays Jafar, the villain of the show.
He said: “I find it easier to tap into that. He is so devious. I always think of him as a snake that just slithers around.
“It’s a lot of fun to play. We have so much fun creating it”
Disney’s Aladdin is at Bristol Hippodrome until August 11. For tickets and more information, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/bristol-hippodrome
All photos: Milan Perera
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