For Disney fans it's a wish come true as Sunderland Empire reveals it will be hosting mega-hit musical Aladdin for a lengthy spell early next year.
The Broadway and West End spectacular is to embark upon its first ever UK and Ireland tour and it will include a run in Sunderland from February 15 to March 10, 2024. And while that's still a year away, it is offering people a chance to sign up now to ensure early access to tickets.
Disney's lavish take on the hugely popular tale of Aladdin, the magic carpet, lamp and three wishes, already has been seen by more than 14m people worldwide. Based on the 1992 animated film - itself inspired by folk tale One Thousand and One Nights - it combines magic, comedy and stand-out visuals and it features new songs by multiple award-winners Alan Menken, the winner of eight Oscars; Howard Ashman and Tim Rice whose combined musical credits range from Beauty and the Beast to Evita.
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The US hit had its England premiere in the West End in 2016, running there until 2019. News of its first UK tour was revealed this Friday by Disney Theatrical Productions and when Sunderland Empire announced its run the theatre's Facebook followers were quick to react - and there is already huge excitement.
Comments include "Omg! My Disney/Musical heart nearly exploded"; "I've been desperate to see it!"; "Yessss. OMG I've wanted to see this for ages" and "Saw this in London and it was phenomenal. 100% plan on seeing it in Sunderland now".
The tour will launch in Edinburgh this October and will then take in Cardiff and Plymouth before Sunderland's run early next year, which will be followed by Milton Keynes. Further city dates are set to be announced.
With Aladdin now marking its second decade on stage, this will be the 11th production of the Broadway hit and it is set to be a huge crowd puller. Tickets will go on sale in March and Sunderland Empire is inviting fans to sign up now to receive priority booking when it goes on sale. To do so see here.
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