Aladdin plays final performance on London’s West End
The cast of Aladdin in London’s West End have performed their final show after more than three years of performances.
The Disney stage musical closed this weekend, playing its final performance on Saturday, August 24.
An adaption of the hit 1992 animated movie, Aladdin opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in June 2016.
The closing cast featured Matthew Croke and Courtney Reed as Aladdin and Jasmine respectively, with Genie Trevor Dion Nicholas.
Nicholas led a speech at the final curtain call, which you can watch below.
Thanking the creative team, crew and cast, Nicholas began: “Three and a half years here on the West End! These are the people who bring you all of this, all the glitter, all of the fireworks and all of the magic.”
As the crowd cheered, he then told the cast and crew: “You hear how much they [the audience] appreciate every drop of sweat that everybody puts into this. Everything that you do on stage means something to somebody”.
On social media, Courtney Reed – who originated the role on Broadway – wrote: “I never thought I would have to say farewell again… I’m a ? mess. What a LIFE BONUS this journey here in London has been. I am reminded of all of the gifts this show has given me.
“I’ll never say goodbye but it’s definitely the end of this life chapter. Something waits beyond these palace walls.”
Matthew Croke added: “Well that’s a wrap! I have said this a lot I know but honestly I feel like the luckiest man in the world to have played my actual childhood dream role of Aladdin.
“Thank you to EVERYONE on stage and backstage, all creatives and management. Without any of you none of it would have been possible. Love you all! I’m seriously going to miss being London’s street rat! ? ✌️”
Replacing Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre will be a revival of Disney’s Mary Poppins, scheduled to begin previews from 23 October 2019 with official opening night slated for 13 November 2019.
Aladdin continues to play on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
The stage adaption of the iconic animated musical tells the story of a young boy who chances upon a wish-granting genie.
It features both the songs from the original film plus new music written for the stage.
PICTURE CREDIT: Instagram/@mattcroke
