Phantom of the Opera is a classic British musical by the British musical theatre legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The Theatre: His Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 10 and over. Under 5s will not be admitted. Parental guidance advised.
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
The Creative Team: Written by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart, composed and co-orchestration by Andrew Llyod Webber and co-orchestration by David Cullen.
Originally directed by Hal Prince this production is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn. Original musical staging and choreography is by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Design by Maria Bjornson, lighting by Andrew Bridge, sound by Mick Potter and musical supervision by Simon Lee.
The Story: Beneath the beauty of the Paris Opera House lurks a mysterious masked figure. A genius recluse, the Phantom falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star.
When a handsome young suitor from Christine’s past enters the picture and threatens to steal her away from him. Is his love enough to forgive the unthinkable acts he has committed? Will Christine be able to resist her ‘Angel of music’?
My Thoughts: I had to return to see this classic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. I was a little apprehensive as I wasn't sure it would live up to how I remembered the show when I first saw it back in the1990's. I needn't have worried, because as soon as the curtain was up, I was once again entranced. It really is gripping right from the start, full of tunes that you find yourself humming the next day. One of the big highlights for me are the costumes designed by the legendary Maria Bjornson. She was famous for her costume designs for musical theatre and opera. They are a feast for the eyes, with colours and textures that really bring the drama, the actors and the action to life.
Some fun Phantom facts for you!
Phantom of the Opera is the second longest running musical in the world. If you think know the oldest, please put it in the comments below.
The Phantoms make-up takes 2-hours to apply.
Each performance has 370 costumes, 11 dressers and 22 scene changes.
The original cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number 1.
The album has sold over 40 million copies.
The show has been performed in 21 different languages.
Each performance includes 100 cast, crew and orchestra members.
Something to lookout for: Outside the theatre, on the right-hand side, is a plaque to Sir Herbert Tree, an actor and theatre director to His Majesty's Theatre in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Tree was regarded as a versatile and skilled actor, particularly in character roles, but by his later years his technique was seen as mannered and old-fashioned. He is famous for founding the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in1904 at theatre and was knighted for his contributions to theatre in1909. His famous family includes his illegitimate son, the film director and producer Carol Reed, best known for The Third Man (1949) and Oliver! (1968). Herbert Tree was also grandfather to the actor Oliver Reed, best known for portraying Bill Sikes in Oliver (1968), Uncle Frank in Tommy (1975) and Antonius Proximo in Gladiator (2000).
Final Thoughts: Phantom of the Opera is a brilliant West End show for the whole family. Especially if you have teenagers who like a bit of theatrical romantic drama. The music is dramatic and at times comedic and the staging is fluid and continually moving. I would definitely return to see this classic British musical by the British musical theatre legend, Andrew Lloyd Webber.
For more information about performance and ticket prices visit: The Phantom of the Opera • London
TKTS London is a great place to look for discount theatre tickets for London's West End. The famous TKTS booth is in the heart of Leicester Square and open seven days a week. For more information visit: TKTS London - Last Minute Theatre Tickets | OLT
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