Disney: The Castle

My first shoot abroad in 2024 ticked off a new country for me, with a quick trip to Saudi Arabia for something special Disney: The Castle in Riyadh.

Shot for Balich Wonder Studio as they brought an immersive Disney experience to Riyadh, making history with the first-ever Disney Castle in the Middle East. Massive production, iconic soundtracks, and next-level design featuring a 27m tall Disney castle, a Lion King drumming workshop, a Frozen hologram singalong, an Encanto projection-mapped show and a live animated Aladdin.

I must have been quite the sight to the locals who were very much dressed for winter, whilst I was enjoying some winter sun!

Presented by The General Entertainment Authority/Sela Company and produced by Balich Wonder Studio, Propeller Live, and Tim Lawson in association with Disney Concerts built in Riyadh Boulevard City.

Credits

Show Writer and Director: Kate Golledge

Production Designer/ Design Director: Ruby Law

Musical Supervisor, Orchestrator, Producer: Ben Frost

Musical Director and Vocal Arranger: Deke Sharon

Lighting Designers: Tim Lutkin and Tim Van t’Hof

Video Designers: Khristian Bork, Mesmer, Northouse, Ahmed Abdul Al 

Costume and Prop Designers: Carlos Navarrete and Simon Wells

Choreographer: Nathan J Clarke

Associate Director: Ellis Kerkhoven

Saudi Creative Associate: Lana Wafa

Associate Choreographer: Jorgia Vaughan

Associate Musical Director: Chris Ma

Casting Director: Jane Deitch

Sound Designer: Jason Rauhaff

Associate Sound Designer: Steven Zeller

For Balich Wonder Studio:

Executive Producer: Samuel Orme

Project Manager: Francesca Marciano / Alex Daoust

Creative Producer: Andrea Moccia

Creative Coordinator: Camilla Levi

Branding Coordinator: Ariana Pricca

Content Producer: Catherine Hayward

Project Coordinator: Sofia De Bartolomeis

Art Director: Alessandro Bergomi

Cast:

Michaela Agius, Alicia Aquino, Rebecca Bolton, Gabrielle Cummings, Kanoumah Diguet, Jemima Eaton, Youssef El Gherez, Alex James Ellison, Joe Grundy, Tom Emery, Nedal Jaber, Maison Kelley, Fraser McAdam, Zoe Miller, Christopher Redwood, Henrique Rizzo, Safi, Bethany Swain, Marina Tavolieri, Harry Winchester, Shehab Younes, Youssef Zikry

The company of Baraka:

Martin Male, Nabunwa Yoweri Nyunyu, Nampiima Bridget, Nano Fahima Mustafa, Devis Edgar Ssenoga, Twine Davis. 

Stage Management Team:

Ryan Colbran, Luisa Cassab, Saida Abdullayeva, Welah Hatta, Sultan Omran, Hamaya Orujova, Mia Pena-Vasquez Barazza, Noor Saaed

© 2024 Disney. All rights reserved.