Disney’s Aladdin - UK & Ireland Tour 23/24

Band is tiny and use keycomp that’s why.

What is keycomp?

Keycomp wasn’t used when this was in town, so I’m not surprised to hear it’s noticeably thinner this time out.

All the orchestral parts are on the system, so in theory, you don’t need those musicians in the pit either.

I’m amazed they allow that here in the UK.

Just pondering whether to buy tickets to see the current UK tour of the musical Aladdin in Manchester. Is Desmonda from the TV show Mama Mia still playing the female lead every night, or is the 8 shows a week schedule too much for a newbie ? If I go it will be mainly to see (listen to) Desmonda.

Can't find anything about the software online. Is it only available for the theatre industry?

I’m currently at the Manc Palace for this afternoon’s show to find a late cast change. TheatreBoard’s very own BurlyBeaR will be appearing as the Genie. I can’t to see this!

A few thoughts from my viewing at yesterday's matinee. I hadn't planned to see it in Manchester as it is coming to Liverpool at Christmas, but with a £35 row A stalls seat available at the Manchester Palace, it was too good to pass up and having seen the WE version and not having a great experience thanks to the family from hell sitting in front of me, I was hoping for a better experience yesterday. Thankfully, I managed to get through this one without any issues and everyone was well behaved. 

As for the show itself. it really was a mixed bag for me. There was plenty to like about this tour but there was also some stuff I didn't like as well. With the good stuff, with all the main cast on yesterday, I found both Gavin and Desmonda a much better watch (both in acting and singing) than the WE pairing. The singing was excellent from the pair. Though as the Genie, Yeukayi was a absolute scene stealer. The energy and comedy he brought to the role was immense and when he wasn't on, the show's energy for me certainly dipped. I loved Trevor in the role at the PE, but Yeukayi for me was even better and was a joy to watch and listen to.

With the set, whilst the Cave of Wonders set is the standout bit here, the that the rest is still meh and does look cheap. The flying carpet scene in Act 2 with a "A Whole New World" for me didn't give that magical moment that it did in the WE. The costumes I thought were excellent along with the lighting design.

Now with the score, oh dear, Alan Menkin's classic score has been done something rotten with this tour with the use of Keycomp. Despite being sat 3 rows behind the orchestra pit, I really struggled at times to here the music over the vocals. It really wasn't great and there is no denying that the music was of  a much poorer quality (it definitely sounded thinner) compared to the WE version. Whoever signed the Keycomp thing off needs a good talking to. If you are going to use it on a show fine but apply it in a way that doesn't diminish the overall quality of the music and sound. 

Overall, with Aladdin, I think that this is the weakest entry in the Disney theatrical shows. With the likes of Lion King, Frozen and Mary Poppins you get those wow moments from Disney on stage, but here that really is missing (the Cave of Wonders being the only wow moment for me). Yes, its a fun show but lacks that bit of magic that you come to expect from a Disney stage show. Whilst I felt that I got value for my ticket price, I  don't feel the need to rebook for Liverpool.

Rating 3 stars