London's Aladdin to get new Genie for the summer

This summer, Trevor Dion Nicholas and Michael James Scott - the two actors who play Aladdin's Genie in the West End and on the US tour respectively - will be trading places as part of a short summer transfer.

Nicholas will be joining the US touring production, during which he'll perform the show in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He said: "being presented with the chance to perform this phenomenal show as Genie in Pittsburgh is something I cannot pass up. In a city so close to where I grew up, having an audience full of family and friends, is another dream come true.

"Michael James Scott is such a wonderful performer and friend to me, I know he and the London audiences will have an absolute blast with each other this summer!"

Scott, who is returning to the West End for the first time since transferring with the Broadway transfer of Hair in 2010, was a member of the original company of Aladdin, as standby Genie and Babkak. He originated the role in the Australian production in 2016, and won a Helpmann Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical.

His temporary appearance in the London production will run from 17th August to 30th September.

On joining the London production, he said: "Playing this iconic role of Genie has taken me all over the world, something I never even dreamed of.

"My 'Genie Brother' Trevor Dion Nicholas has raved about his time in London, so to be a part of this awesome Genie swap and return to play the West End again is an enormous Genie-sized gift. I just can't wait!"

Aladdin is currently booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until 9th February 2019.

Aladdin tickets are available now.

_{Photo credit Deen vavn Meer (c) Disney}