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Aladdin is the title character in the popular fairy tale "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp."
In the United Kingdom, the story of Aladdin is a popular subject for pantomimes. The traditional Aladdin pantomime (which is set in China, unlike many adaptations of the story) is the source of the well-known pantomime character Widow Twankey.
Jo Grant played Aladdin in the UNIT staff Christmas panto in the 1970s, with Mike Yates as Widow Twankey and the Doctor as the wicked sorcerer. (NA: Timewyrm: Revelation, No Future)
Jo Grant likened Omega's palace to Aladdin's magic cave, while the Doctor made a similar analogy of the singularity to Aladdin's magic lamp. (DW: The Three Doctors)
Behind the Scenes
- The fairy tale's most famous version is the Disney film, Jon Pertwee who was a lifelong fan of cartoons and self-proclaimed expert in animation, named the film the greatest animated movie ever made.
- Scott Weinger, who played Aladdin in the Disney franchise, was seriously considered for the role of the Eighth Doctor. The potential casting also had the full support of Jon Pertwee
- Frank Welker, who played Abu and Rajah in the Disney franchise, was considered to voice several aliens in the BBC/Fox version, had Doctor Who (1996) resulted in further episodes.
- Robin Williams, who played The Genie in the Disney film, is a noted fan of the franchise. He even expressed interest in having a role in the BBC/Fox version of Doctor Who, had it extended to a series. He had one condition: he would not play either The Doctor or The Master. Llike many other fans, Williams believed those roles required British actors.
