It was reported in November 2014 that creatives at Disney were meeting with London theatre executives for another round of discussions that would seal a deal to bring the Alan Menken-scored musical to the Palladium Theatre in early 2016.
The Daily Mail now reports that Disney may be opting for the West End's Dominion Theatre, considered a more "adult" theatre than the Palladium, which is known for housing family-friendly hits. Disney's feeling is that Aladdin appeals to more than just kids, with many adults returning to see a beloved childhood film come to life on stage.
In place of Aladdin, it seems that the larger Palladium could now be home to the jukebox hit Motown, which ended its Broadway run Jan. 18. At the time of the show's Broadway closing, producers stated that the musical was planning for a London arrival this summer, but a theatre remains to be announced.
U.K. casting calls for the musical, which would need to take place in the very near future for a summer arrival, have not been announced.
The Daly Mail indicated that Motown will now likely turn up at London's Palladium in 2016. Representatives for Aladdin declined to comment. A rep for Motown did not have confirmation of the musical's targeted London arrival.