Review: Disney's Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre

Disney's Aladdin
Prince Edward Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 13th June 2016

★★★

Disney's blockbuster musical adaptation of Aladdin has crossed the pond, two years after opening on Broadway. It's a huge show with a multi-talented cast and big design elements. Similarly to The Lion King, the musical is very similar to the 1992 Disney film it's based on. The show also features some numbers that were cut from the film - most notably 'Proud Of Your Boy' - as well as a few new compositions. 

GOSSIP: Dean John Wilson & Jade Ewen in talks to star in Aladdin?

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has claimed that Dean John Wilson and Jade Ewen are in "early discussions" to star as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in the West End production of Aladdin.

It was recently announced that Broadway actor Trevor Dion Nicholas will star as the Genie when Aladdin opens at the Prince Edward Theatre on 9th June 2016 (previews from 27th May).

Disney's stage production of Aladdin is directed and choreographed by The Book of Mormon's Casey Nicholaw and composed by Alan Menken. It features lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, with book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin. The production opened on Broadway in March 2014.

Laura Mansell replaces Jade Ewen in Godspell Tour

Due to ill health, Sugababe Jade Ewen has withdrawn from the forthcoming tour of Godspell In Concert.

Laura Mansell, who is already a member of the current cast who are in rehearsals, has been promoted to replace Ewen in Stephen Schwartz 's musical.

Jade Ewen said: "I'm saddened to have to withdraw from Godspell due to ill health. I wish the cast and crew a truly successful run, although I know they will put on an amazing show, and I can't wait to see it."

Mansell's previous credits include: Diva 2 in Priscilla, Queen of The Desert (UK Tour), Princess Lily in Puss in Boots (Gate Arts Centre), Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (White Bear Theatre), Precious Maguire in Steel Pier (Bridewell Theatre), BBC Proms with Maida Vale Singers and John Wilson Orchestra (Royal Albert Hall) and ensemble in Rent In Concert (Garrick Theatre).

Review: Porgy and Bess at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Porgy and Bess

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 26th July 2014

★★★★

Regarded as "a landmark piece of American theatre," I knew very little about the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess prior to seeing this production. I relished every moment of discovering this uniquely iconic piece of theatre for the very first time.

Photo Feature: Former X Factor contestants & celebrity guests attend The Bodyguard's media night

Former X Factor contestants and celebrity guests attended The Boydguard's media night last night (Wednesday 11th June 2014) which officially welcomed Alexandra Burke to the cast. Those in attendance included: Jamelia, Lawson, Jade Ewen, Jenni Falconer, Javine, Anthony Joshua, Kingsland Road, Rough Copy and Amy Willerton.

Take a look at pictures of the celebrity guests arriving at the Adelphi Theatre below (click on image to enlarge). Click here to read West End Frame's review of last night's performance.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard follows former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. 

Review: Tonight's The Night (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Tonight's The Night (UK Tour)

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 3rd March 2014

On paper a musical about a guy who strikes a deal with the Devil which results in him trading his soul for Rod Stewart's so he can find the courage to declare his love for the woman of his dreams appears a little odd… and let me assure you that on stage it is equally as strange! However, when Ben Elton sat down to write Tonight's The Night he wasn't attempting to create a hard hitting, stunningly beautiful, thought provoking piece of theatre (well - at least I hope not). Tonight's The Night is the perfect excuse to dust off your sailor hat and relive the terrific music of Rod Stewart.