The story and music will be familiar to many as it is based on the popular 1992 animated film, which was later adapted as a live-action screen version in 2019 starring Will Smith.

The stage version has been running on Broadway for 20 years and this current tour is the UK’s West End production. In addition to the classic songs from the film there are some new numbers, including the emotional ‘Proud of Your Boy’ with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin. As you would expect from an entertainment giant like Disney, no expense has been spared in taking this show on the road. It fills every inch of the Palace’s Theatre stage with sparkling energy from the opening dance number to the glittering finale.

Bob Crowley showcases why he is a seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer with vibrant sets which pop with colour, transporting us to the mythical land of Agrabah with its bustling marketplace, opulent palaces, star-filled skies and magical caves decorated with gold. And to add to the magic, illusion designers, Jim Steinmeyer and Rob Lake have created some spectacular effects, including a quick turning, flying carpet.

While all that glitters isn’t gold, this production certainly is, with a terrific orchestra led by Dave Rose and solid performances all round. And once the genie is out of the bottle there is no turning back – we are all hooked under Yeukayi Ushe’s energetic spell. His big number ‘Friend Like Me’ is raucously joyful and even includes a clever Disney medley from Beauty and the Beast to the Little Mermaid that has everyone cheering at hearing their favourite Disney hits.

Gavin Adams makes an impressive stage debut as Aladdin, our likeable hero whose adventure takes him from street busker to mini-Indiana Jones; from master of the lamp to romantic lead. Adam Strong and his evil laugh is a towering presence as the scheming Jafar who makes for some great pantomime-style tension with his side-kick, Iago (Angelo Paragoso). While Desmonda Cathabel makes a sparky Princess Jasmine, who gives little girls a heroine with independence and attitude they can root for.

The choreography is slick and absorbing, with some comedy swash-buckling alongside the big-scale numbers. It’s a breathtaking ride of pure, family fun, escapism that will leave you singing all the way home.

Disney’s Aladdin is at The Palace Theatre, Manchester from 22 May to 7 July 2024.

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As with all things under the Disney brand, the quality is first-class wherever you experience them. And this is the real deal Disney experience, with Donald Duck, Goofy and another 50 animated favourites out to play.

Here the floor of the arena is transformed into a giant ice rink where, for the next hour and 50 minutes, we’re taken on a whistle-stop journey through 14 Disney stories including Pinocchio, Finding Dory, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Toy Story and Mulan.

The speed and grace of the championship skaters in the cast adds to the make-believe spell of an evening filled with dragons, giant turtles, hairy beasts, enchanted castles and many of our favourite Disney characters. It is wonderful to see children excited to recognise each character as they take to the ice, and their awe when Aladdin’s Genie multiplies to make about 20 more.

The skating is beautifully choreographed by Emmy Award winner, Sarah Kawahara, who also choreographed the skating segment for the opening of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Cindy Stuart, whose additional choreography credits include creating routines for two-time Olympic Gold medallist, Katarina Witt. The Disney Prince and Princess section gives the skaters a real chance to shine, as six couples speed across the ice displaying breath-taking lifts, spins and somersaults.

The first half closes with Frozen, a mesmerising condensing of the story with bustling market places; falling snow; crystal staircases and all of the well-known songs including: For the First Time in Forever; Love is an Open Door; In Summer and Let it Go.

In all there are 30 memorable Disney songs – all instantly recognisable. The atmosphere is electric for the Lion King’s Circle of Life/Nants’ Ingonyama and there is another surprise when Wart Hog, Pumbaa arrives with skates on all four hooves.

Few shows make such an emotional impact across all age groups as youngsters shout out to make contact with their favourite characters while grandparents connect with the dreams of their own childhood. For the audience these really are tales as old as time and still as magical. As our mini-reviewer says: ‘It’s brilliant!’

Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic is at Manchester Arena from 9- 13 October 2019. For full tour details visit disney.co.uk

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