Thanks to the familiarity of the play’s origin story, theatrical spectacle presenting a “truly oriental” wonderland of scenery and special effects, and an affecting cast, the reviewer concluded, “he Managers having thus got possession of the Wonderful Lamp, it will probably be productive to them of considerable profit.” Over the next six weeks, the play was presented thirty nights and consistently revived through to the end of 1815. The tout ensemble was certainly captivating, and it would be difficult for the sternest critic to remain unmoved by the scenes of enchantment passing before his eyes…” 3

This was aided by a splendour and magnificence truly oriental, and which threw over the spectacle a most imposing grandeur. The machinery of the piece, on which all the effect of a tale of enchantment depends, was admirably worked, and seemed tangibly to perform the fabled operations of magic. “Whoever has read the Arabian Nights Entertainment 2 (and who has not) cannot fail to recollect with pleasure the story of Aladdin, and the Wonderful Lamp…. On Tuesday, the 20th of April, 1813, the dramatic reviewer for The Morning Chronicle reported on the previous night’s opening of Theatre Royal Covent Garden’s new “Melo-Dramatic Romance” by actor/playwright Charles Farley, Aladdin or, The Wonderful Lamp: 1

Aladdin old release date