I was shaking with excitment as my Mother-in-law opened her 60th Birthday card- unaware of what delights were inside it. Then I saw a tear and we all started bouncing around laughing like giddy school children. This was sure to be a birthday present she would never forget- a weekend in London with front row tickets to see The Phantom Of The Opera.
So we all jumped into the car, laughing and mock-singing the shows most famous songs and waving at unexpecting lorry drivers on the M1. Even the fact that it was the hottest day since 1911 could'nt stop our squeals of excitment.
When we arrived at our Kings Cross hotel, we all quickly got into our glad-rags and once again gave the hotel a tune-less rendition of 'The music of the night' - I don't think the hotel staff knew what to make of us!
Getting to the Hotel was easy, we flagged down a taxi and it cost little over six pounds, although if you are not put off by the smelly underground, then I am sure that would be an even cheaper option. The nearest stops are Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. I would avoid driving to the Theatre as parking is expensive.
Her Majesty's Theatre is in the busy Haymarket area of London, and if you arrive early like we did, there are a few nice bars and restaurants around and Piccadilly Circus is just 150m away.
The theatre itself is a Grade 2 listed building which was designed by C J Phipps and has been open since April 1897. Since its opening it has played host to a number
of fantastic musicalls including 'Paint your Wagon' 'West Side Story' and 'Fiddler on the Roof'.
This latest instalment of Phantom of the Opera has been showing since the 9th of October 1986. Tickets are on sale until the 6th of January 2007 although more dates are thought to be planned. Since the Phantom has been showing at Her Majesty's theatre it has won every major British award, including the Oliver and Evening Standard awards.
"The Phantom Of The Opera remains the most exciting musical in London" - The Daily Mail
Of course the first cast is the most famous, including Michael Crawford as the Phantom, Sarah Brightman as Christine and Steve Barton as love interest Raoul. The same cast also went on to perform in the New York production, which opened in 1988. The original casts recordings is also the first cast album in British history to enter the charts at number one and go Platinum in Britain and America.
The story of the Phantom is one of the most famous musicals and one that produces the most shocks on stage. I could imagin this show being ever directors dream and nightmare mixed into one as there are so many 'special effects' and twists to capture. I felt the the show that we saw captured everything, it was brilliant start to finish.
Although the 2004 film was good, I now believe that people who are not used to the theatre expect the same quality of effects on stage, which is just impossible.
The story of the Phantom starts in 1905 at an auction being held on stage at the Opera de Paris; the items on sale have been found in the theatre's vaults. The main item at auction is a giant chandelier that once hung from the ceiling of the Opera house. The auctioneer starts to tell the strange tale of the Phantom of the Opera, which had intrigued Parisian theatregoers half a century ago. As the Auctioneer lights the chandelier, the set changes and we are transported to the year 1861.
The opera cast are interrupted during a rehearsal of Hannibal to be introduced to the Opera house's new owners, Messrs Firmin and Andre. As the owners watch the leading soprano, Carlotta performs 'Think of Me', a backdrop tumbles to the floor dangerously near Carlotta's head. All of the dancers cry that is must be the Opera ghost and as ballet mistress Madame Giry steps forward with a letter from the Phantom, Firmin and Andre's fears are brought to reality. The letter states that box five must be left empty for the Phantom's use and that his salary must be paid on time every month.
As un-liked Soprano Carlotta quits, dancer Christine Daae is pushed forward by best friend Meg. Christine fills Carlotta's role brilliantly and her managers are delighted, as is the new patron of the Opera, the Vicomte de Chagny, Raoul; a childhood friend of Christine's.
After the performance of Hannibal Christine returns to her dressing room to be congratulated by Raoul and her secret tutor, the Phantom. The Phantom takes Christine down to the vaults of the opera house, where he lives. He tells her that he is her angel of music and she must stay with him so that she can learn to sing better then anyone before her. Slightly frightened, Christine faints. When she wakes in the morning she angers the Phantom by taking off his mask, which covers his deformed face. However he still believes that Christine can love him and he returns her to the opera house demanding that she takes the role in the next opera, Il Muto.
Still unsure of the Phantoms powers, Firmin and Andre go against the Phantom and put Carlotta in the role and Christine is given a silent part. Once again the Phantom is furious and during the performance cuts down the grand Chandelier, which falls to the stage at Christines feet.
Christine and Raoul flee the Stage to hide on the roof, unaware that the Phantom is watching them. This is the start of a love affair between Christine and Raoul. The two soon become secretly engaged, much to the the disappointment of the Phantom who plans revenge on the pair.
The Phantom demands Firmin and Andre produce his opera Don Juan Triumphant, with Christine in the lead. Firmin and Andre agree, thinking that they can catch the Phantom and stop him terrorising the cast.
And so Christine steps onto the stage scarred at what fate has in store for her in her final showdown with the Phantom.
"Andrew Lloyd Webbers musical extravaganza .... As spectacular a piece of true theatre as has been seen in years" - The Daily Telegraph
The cast in the performance I saw range from unknowns to experienced actors. All were fantastic with the actors in the main roles doing a fantastic job.
The Phantom- Played by Earl Carpenter. Earl has had attended Bournmouth's Jellicoe Theatre training school and has had roles as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Courfeyrac in Les Miserables and Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick.
Christine Daae- Played by the talented Rachel Barrell. Rachel was trained at the Guilford school of acting. Before the Phantom she played Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Belle in Beauty and the Beast
Raoul- Played by Dvid Shannon. David started his career touring in Les Miserables and has been involved with other tours of Oklahoma and Jesus Christ Superstar.
The best thing about the show has to be the songs. They are theatre classics and are just beautiful. These include:
Think of Me Masquerade All I ask of You Prima Donna The Point of no Return Wishing you were somehow here again The music of the night The Phantom of the Opera Angel of Music
Magic, Memorable and so Spectacular - The Sunday Express
I have seen the Phantom in theatres all over the U.K now and this has to be one of the best performances I have seen. All the parts were played fantastically and the chemistry between Raoul and Christine was brilliant. And as for the phantom, The mystery that the actor made you feel about this character was unbelievable- the best Phantom I have seen.
I understand that because the tital has the word 'Opera' in it that people are very easily put off, but this is a very light hearted story about love and the story is funny with some great comical moments and the best soundtrack on the west end. If you are wanting to go to the theatre but dont want something to heavy, go and see the Phantom. You will love it!
Her Majesty's theatre has.. An infra- red system - headphones and neckloops are available at the box office. Guide Dogs are not allowed in the auditorium but dogs will be looked after by staff. Wheelchair ramps are at the rear of the theatre and staff will need to come and open the doors for you as they are locked. Some seets have extra leg room- these must be requested when booking tickets. There are three (VERY EXPENSIVE) licenced bars. Tickets are between £15 and £47.50.
Enjoy! Brat
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Marvelous review. Have always wanted to see this but never have, Ian.
frkurt 26.08.2006 19:11
I saw the musical at Her Majesty's back in 1987 with the Crawford/Brightman/Barton cast. I didn't know it was still running in the same location.
fabulous_girl 09.08.2006 15:49
i havent seen this yet, i like musicals a fair bit- guys and dolls was the last one i saw last week. kent council who my mum works for do great coach trips to the musicals, so i mitght end up waiting til they do Phantom!
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Advantages: A night of theatrical magic - immerse yourself. Disadvantages: None I can think of - the experience is worth the face value of the top priced seats.
Aug 1st, 2006
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