Lovers of musical theatre were treated to a magical evening as Aureus School in Didcot brought Aladdin the Musical Jr. to life with a vibrant and charming production.
Around 50 students from Years 7 to 11 took part in the retelling of the beloved story, featuring iconic characters including the Sultan, the Genie, Jasmine and, of course, Aladdin.
“Students at Aureus School lit up the stage with a vibrant and heart-warming production of Aladdin the Musical, leaving audiences cheering, laughing, and even wiping away an occasional tear,” said Amy King, Head of Performing Arts at Aureus, which is part of the GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust.
She explained that the show was the culmination of months of dedication, with students attending weekly evening rehearsals and additional weekend sessions as opening night drew closer.
Their commitment shone through in a performance filled with colourful choreography, strong vocal work and confident acting that transported audiences straight into the magical world of Agrabah.
The principal cast featured Kidest Fikremariam-Gordon from Year 11 as Aladdin; Year 11 student Teodora Ticanet as Jasmine; and fellow Year 11 performer Queen-Zara Amoah as the Sultan. In Year 9, India Bennett took on the role of Jafar, while Millie Campbell-Huxley played Iago.
Miss King, who directed and choreographed the production, was supported by Aureus Head of Music Alison Burbage, Assistant Head Teacher Hannah Powell, and Head of Art Stephanie Robins. “The cast were full of energy since the very first read-through,” she said. “Their excitement has been infectious, and they’ve shown real determination to put on the best show possible.”
In addition to the performers on stage, many students contributed behind the scenes, working on props, costume and wardrobe, lighting, sound, stage management, and front-of-house roles. Their collective efforts helped ensure the production ran smoothly and professionally.
The school has a strong tradition of staging musical theatre in the festive season, with past productions including The Greatest Showman, The Wizard of Oz, Matilda and High School Musical. This year’s evening performances on 10 and 12 December were enjoyed by audiences of more than 300 people, while two matinees welcomed 400 local primary school children.
“Productions like this are incredibly valuable for our students,” said Miss King. “They help build confidence, nurture creativity, encourage teamwork, develop discipline and responsibility, and provide a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents both on and off stage.
“Staff say opportunities like these help students gain confidence, develop communication skills, make lasting friendships, and express themselves in ways that academic lessons alone can’t always offer.
“The arts make a real difference to students’ lives. They learn resilience, empathy, and responsibility – and they discover talents they never knew they had.”
