If a genie grants you three wishes, all three should be to see Disney’s spellbinding production of Aladdin at Birmingham Hippodrome! This spectacle - based, of course, on the company’s Oscar-bagging 1992 animated film version of the story - is bound to delight theatre-goers of all ages for the duration of its run at the venue.

As befits a Disney production, the design, music and performances are all top-class; the Hippodrome can surely count this as a theatrical highlight of the year, if not the decade!

The plot is a simple, timeless classic; in Agrabah, poor Aladdin (the best thief this side of the River Jordan) is down on his luck but besotted with the beautiful Jasmine. Their love, of course, can never be, until (with the help of a genial genie) Aladdin proves his worth. And then his dearest wishes can come true...

This terrific tale of romance plays out against a backdrop of treasured songs and a magical carpet ride, transporting the audience through mystical worlds and haunting experiences.

The set and costumes drip opulence and gold, and the special effects are a delight. The carpet truly does seem to fly, and the technical crew successfully transform a little part of Birmingham on a chilly autumn evening into an enchanting world of minarets and palaces. This must be one of the most extravagant productions ever to grace the Hippodrome stage.

Gavin Adams is perfectly cast as the cheeky lad Aladdin, unfailingly chirpy and determined not to let life’s obstacles get in his way. With his trusty sidekicks Babkak (Nelson Bettencourt), Omar (Adam Taylor) and Kassim (Nay-Nay), he charms the crowd with his youthful high jinks.

Desmonda Cathabel is a stunning Jasmine; together with her future love interest, she brings a beautiful energy to the stage. It is impossible not to be swept along by her sparkle and enthusiasm.

Yeukayi Ushe gives the stand-out performance as the Genie; he has the best eyebrows in Birmingham and is ready to party at the drop of a hat. His rendition of Friend Like Me has the entire audience tapping their toes, and the image of his cartwheel across the stage will remain long in everyone’s memory.

Jafar (Adam Strong) and Iago (Angelo Paragoso) complete the picture, providing moments of pure slapstick in the best tradition of slightly incompetent pantomime villains.

Amongst the show’s songs are many old favourites from the original film, including A Whole New World (winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Song), Arabian Nights and Prince Ali. But it is the sets, choreography and costumes which steal the show. Oozing riches, the backdrops scream splendour and provide the perfect setting for tales of mysticism and romance.

Disney’s production of Aladdin has already been seen by more than 14 million people across the world, and 14 million people cannot be wrong. This visual extravaganza is, without question, one of the most arresting sights you will ever see. Grab a carpet and ride to Agrabah, where there’s a genie in every jar!

Five stars

Aladdin was reviewed by Rachel Smith on Thursday 10 October at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Sunday 3 November