A Magical Night at the Mayflower: Aladdin Musical Review

If you're looking for a dazzling, laugh-out-loud, family-friendly night out, Aladdin at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton is an absolute must-see. This Disney classic has been brought to life on stage with all the sparkle and glamour you’d expect from such a beloved tale—and more!

From the moment the curtains rose, the show immersed us in a world of magic, with brilliant costumes that shimmered and sparkled under the stage lights. The outfits were truly incredible, adding layers of colour and fun to each scene. Every cast member seemed to embody their character perfectly, and while the humour was undoubtedly cheesy, it worked so well with the audience. There were plenty of moments that had us both laughing out loud.

One interesting adaptation in this Aladdin musical version was the replacement of Aladdin's iconic monkey sidekick, Abu, with three best friends. This gave the story a slightly more traditional twist, possibly reflecting older versions of the tale, and the chemistry between the trio was fantastic. They added a lot of comedic moments and helped drive the plot forward with their lively interactions.

Speaking of performances, Jafar deserves special mention. He balanced the line between menacing villain and comedic bad guy flawlessly, leaving both the kids and adults captivated. And of course, no Disney musical is complete without stunning vocal talent—Aladdin did not disappoint! The singing was top-tier, bringing every song to life with energy and emotion.

Sitting in the dress circle, just one row back from the front, our view was fantastic. The staging was simple yet clever, and the highlight for both my son and me had to be the magic carpet ride. It was pure Disney magic, leaving my son mesmerised and debating all the way home how they pulled it off!

At £35 a ticket, the show was worth every penny. My six-year-old was fully engaged for the entire performance, and time seemed to fly by. We treated ourselves to ice cream during the interval (£3 a pot) and even picked up a keyring as a souvenir for £12. The Mayflower itself is a stunning venue—clean, beautiful, and welcoming, with lovely staff that added to the overall experience.

For anyone planning to visit, here’s a cheeky little tip: parking can be a breeze if you know where to go. We found free parking on Morris Road, which is free on Sundays and after 7 pm—a perfect little bonus to an already magical evening.

If you’re looking for a night filled with laughter, music, and Disney magic, Aladdin at the Mayflower is the show to see. It truly captures the enchanting spirit of Disney, and I highly recommend it!

I can't wait for our next trip to the theatre, but for now, go and sit down, take a breath and have a cuppa for me! Thats enough excitement for the week.

Katy x