What is the reality in Gavin Adams landing the role of Aladdin in Disney’s stage musical, based on the 1992 animated film?   Did it involve a magic genie and a few wishes?

After all, not only had Adams never landed a lead role before, he had never even appeared in a professional theatre production. This just doesn’t happen in theatre. So, who is the genie, Gavin? “I wish I could tell you that’s how it happened, but it didn’t quite work out that way,” he says smiling.

What did happen? Well, it’s rather complicated but a story of absolute endeavour and persistence. Adams grew up in Shanghai (his mum is from Hong Kong) and found himself captivated by music.

“I started playing violin at a very young age and then learned more string instruments, like guitar and bass,” he recalls. “And then when I was about 15, I started singing. But as I was graduating from school, I was teetering between going to medical school or going into music, because I loved both.”

Adams chose showbiz. “Eventually I went to the Royal Northern College of Music to study pop singing for four years, and was in an amateur production of We Will Rock You.”  The young hopeful worked for a time as a supporting singer and backing dancer, but the big stage roles remained elusive.

He then attended the Royal Academy of Music, graduating in 2023. And Adams was a student when he heard about the open call for performers to star as Aladdin “The audition process took almost three months,” he recalls. “I heard about this open call for performers to send in a tape of themselves, which I did. Then I was asked to send another. And that seemed to go well but then I had to attend five auditions over the next three months. Then in April I was offered the role. And it’s all so incredible and given the fact I was such a recent graduate the company have shown such trust.”

What did he feel he had to offer that convinced producers he was a natural Aladdin? “Well, he’s such a smiley and positive character. He loves life, he’s always running and jumping around. So, I guess it was my natural energy.”

Adams adds, grinning: “It’s a helluva show. Aladdin is off stage for only 20 mins of the two-hour run. As a result, I had to prepare physically, vocally and mentally. But on tour I’ve found it can be easy to lose the physical energy, what with staying in different hotels, eating different food.” He offers a wry smile. “It can come down to getting a good pillow to sleep on. But the hardest thing of all is to stay in character.”

Adams, who had to learn to tap dance for the role, is open about the challenges that come with appearing in a lead role in a major musical theatre production.  Yet, he can’t quite believe his luck that this magic carpet ride of a role. “I get to sing award-winning songs,” he says of the likes of A Whole New World. “It’s fantastic.” He adds, “My family have been so encouraging. When I called my mum to tell her I was the next Aladdin she cried over the phone.”

What of past contentions that Aladdin hasn’t kept pace with modern correctness? Yes, the days are gone when Aladdin was once played by pale-faced Scots with ginger hair using a bit of dark eye liner, but does it still perpetuate Middle Eastern stereotypes?

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“I do know a few words in the script have been changed to appeal to a wide audience. But what I would say is that this theatre show features one of the most diverse casts I’ve ever seen. I think it features around 16 nationalities. And it’s fantastic to work with so many people from different backgrounds.”

Gavin Adams is however concentrating in offering up his best Aladdin. And he’s all too aware that his next theatre role is unlikely to be the lead. “Oh, yes that’s so true,” he agrees. “It’s a tough industry, so fickle and so difficult. And I know how lucky I am to be playing this role. But all I can do is try to stay grounded.”

Don’t think for a moment that magic carpet rides come about after every audition? “No, not for a moment,” he says, laughing.

 

Disney’s Aladdin is the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until November 30.

 

Don’t Miss

A slightly smaller scale version of Aladdin – whereby the classic tale is reimagined with a distinctly Scottish flavour by the hugely talented writer/director Andy McGregor (creator of hits such as Battery Park and Crocodile Rock) – is being produced by PACE, the theatre company which encourages and grows young talent.

Chris Alexander and Alan Orr star, Paisley Arts Centre, November 27 – January 5.