The Phantom of the Opera

Last weekend (15th-16th June) I travelled down to London for an exciting three show weekend. The Phantom of the Opera, which I have seen numerous times previously, was to be the first of three top west end shows.

The famous chandelier of the Paris Opera House

The Phantom of the Opera is based on Gaston Leroux's 'Le Fantome de l'Operea' with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart and choreography by Gillian Lynne. As I've previously mentioned I have seen the production before and knew what to expect however I still found the show to be as enjoyable as ever.

Marcus Lovett as the Phantom of the Opera

The story follows the story of Christine Daae, a young ballet dancer who is in the ensemble at the Paris Opera house who is said to be taking singing lessons from a great teacher. It has long been thought that the Opera House is haunted by a Phantom who watches over them and makes terrible things happen. As the audience we see a scene unravel where the current owner of the Opera House has sold the theatre. The scene introduces the audience to the two new owners of the Theatre, Firmin and Andre. The leading soprano of the company, Carlotta, is known to be a diva and is asked to sing by the new owners, however mid way through her song some scenery collapes on her and no one can understand how is has happened. It it thought that this has been caused by the Phantom of the Opera. Carlotta storms out which leaves the production without a leading soprano. Panic is evident and the Firmin and Andre consider the implications of cancelling the evening show however Meg Giry suggests that the young chorus girl, Christine, could sing it. Christine Daae is asked to sing the role thus thrusting her into the limelight. The show follows the Phantom's obsession with Christine and the love triangle between the Phantom, Christine and Christine's childhood sweetheart, Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny. The question is how far will the Phantom go to keep Christine in his grasp?

The Phantom enters the Masquarade Ball during the opening scene of Act Two

Marcus Lovett was starring as the Phantom of the Opera and has performed the same role on Broadway. Lovett was a truely inspiring Phantom and managed to portray the need that the Phantom has to be loved in a way that made the character heartbreaking to watch. Sofia Escobar was a beautiful Christine and had a sense of innocence about her that reflects upon the audience. Simon Thomas was perfect Raoul and his vocal tone was a perfect contrast to the Lovett's Phantom.

Obviously I would reccomend the Phantom of the Opera to anyone who hasn't seen it. The show is a love story that anyone could fall in love with. Even though I do enjoy the show, I will be leaving it some time before I see the show again as I find I enjoy the production more when I haven't seen it for a while!

After the show had finished I went to stage door to meet my former West End Experience tutor Richard Munday. Richard plays the Policeman in the Pit and understudies the role of Raoul. It was really interesting meeting up with him again and hearing all about his life whilst being in the show. He also very kindly introduced me to the Phantom himself, Marcus Lovett who was a true gentleman and a pleasure to meet.

Richard Munday and I

Marcus Lovett and I

The Phantom of the Opera runs at Her Majesty's Theatre, Haymarket.