| Find Tickets For The Phantom of the Opera |
|
To book any of the above by phone, please call us on 0845 372 1950.
The Phantom of the OperaVenue:
Her Majesty's TheatreWhere: West End
Date Reviewed: 1 November 1997
WOS Rating:
Average Reader Rating:
Reader Reviews:
View and add to our user reviewsNote: The cast for this production has changed since the writing of this review. For current cast details, please see The Phantom of the Opera listing entry. If you have seen the current cast and would like to share your views please go to the user reviews section.
Generally, I'm not one for musicals, let alone operas. But Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is an exception. For me, it represents an evangelical rebirth of sorts, the light at the end of a dark tunnel - for the second time now. This show has something for everyone and more besides.
Based on a novel by Gaston Leroux, this is the tale of an enigmatic “phantom” (Peter Cousins) who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House, “haunting” and hating all who dare enter. Except that is for chorus girl Christine Daae (Shona Lindsay) who he falls in love with and teaches to sing so magnificently that she's elevated to show Diva. His passion turns to jealousy when she succumbs to the advances of old flame Raoul (Mike Sterling). The two forces collide with devastating effect.
What makes The Phantom of the Opera so compelling is the emotional and visual feast it conjures up. Every element of this complex production is drawn together with flair under Harold Prince's direction. Maria Bjornson's sets and costumes dazzle, creating a 'pinch me, am I awake?' sense of reality that left me wondering why on earth I recently paid the admission to the latest Hollywood, F-X blockbuster. The speed and dramatic changes of the set's shape and texture confounded my mind and still leaves the scientist in me wondering 'just how did they do that?'.
In this state, the mind is seduced into unequivocally believing the story and the characters. The performances are equally brilliant, causing the scenes to flow from one to another without effort. The only time I surfaced from the hypnotic lull was to question how a young and naive Christine could play the tempestuous heroine in the phantom's opera with such ease. Perhaps what they say about chorus girls....
The wonderful piece “Masquerade” epitomises the play's mystical energy. A grand staircase dominates the stage, rising from the floor, winding into the ceiling's shadows, and creating the ideal forum for every one of the cast to show off. Their costumes flash and glimmer so brilliantly that your attention is pulled every which way, recreating the buzz and excitement of an East End flower market. And when the chorus is sung, the power of the unaccompanied voices leaves you feeling humbled.
The Phantom of the Opera has the power to appeal to everyone, regardless of age, sex, culture and even language. As is the case with reborn believers, our work is to spread the faith to the masses. And, like it or not, you'll be whistling the choruses on your journey home.
Jonathan Baron
| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Saw phantom for the second time on tuesday night. I was hoping Ramin was on for his final week, but it was Nigel. I say BUT, however Nigel was excellent, he did a stunning job and created a real balance of character between his hate and cruelty for the outside world and his love for Christine.
Gina Beck played Christine and she was superb, she sang as though the part was written for her, great vocal quality but also great interpretation of the lyrics and character, she was a joy to behold.
I took a friend to see the show for the first time and he was blown away with the spectacle, grandeur and scale of the show, and I completely agree, this show is still incredibly impressive in comparison to other shows around, in terms of what can be achieved on the stage. Whatever people's views are of Lord Webber, you cannot fault the vision this man had 23 years ago to create such an amazing, visually and vocally stunning piece of theatre. Here's looking forward to Lover Never Dies! - Tim G | 05 Nov 09 |
| I have seen the Phantom of the Opera twice now and both times it has been absolutly AMAZING, i have come out wanting to turn around and walk streight back in agen! Both times i have seen it Nic has been playing the phantom and he has been incredible, he is an absolutly amazing phantom. i dont think that he gets enough credit for how amazing he really is, everyone raves about Ramin which from watching him on youtube i can see that he is fab and i cant wait to see him in Love Never Dies but in my eyes Nic is a brilliant phantom, he gives me goose bumps everytime he sings! The whole cast of the show is fantastic, by far the most amazing musical/show i have ever seen! cant wait to see it again. - Emma | 20 Oct 09 |
| For Holly - It was Ramin. He does all eight shows and has been solid since he finished some side projects about three months ago. Hasn't really missed a show since end of May, if that. He's better than ever at the moment. - Sam | 20 Aug 09 |
| i saw it last night and loved it. but i want to know who i saw? can anyone help me? it wasnt nic greensheilds because ive met him and i know it wasnt him (he wasnt as tall!) also i think he only played the phantom in may/june ; please help? it might have been ramin but im not sure - holly simmons | 19 Aug 09 |
| fine - wong | 19 Jul 09 |
| I went to see Phantom on a special phantom trip by a local Coventry coach firm. We had tickets for the royal circle. Nic Greenshields was the phantom. I had heard a lot about Nic Greenshields and not all of it positive a cousin who went last year was present when Nic forgot his lines (I think that it must have been the same show as the one on you tube.) My cousin had been to see it another five times since then and she says she prefers Ramin but Nic had improved. I loved it. The show was spellbinding and magical. Gina is fantastic and I love her playing Christine. Simon had my daughters heart a flutter in fact it’s a wonder she did not take of fluttering them so much!! Nic is I think one of these phantoms who can still bring an element of surprise and shock. I love his voice. His voice is so strong and it can soothe you and calm you yet it can also turn your blood to ice as well. I love the boat scene and the amazing way Nic sings and with Gina he seems to have control over her. Music of the night was sung so smoothly and seductively that I got a knock in the ribs and people in my row were smiling as I had become so engrossed in music of the night that I also closed my eyes and lifted my head as he sang "let your spirit soar". He certainly had me hooked and reeled in. WOW stranger than you dreamt it. This is the best I have ever hear this sung. It made me tremble and my daughter as Nic used his voice so masterfully if turned your blood to ice and then slowly as he carried on I began to warm towards him and I felt sympathy for him..As a phantom that is. Here was a man born disfigured but a genius having to hide himself away from the world and Christine in her morbid curiosity and bad manner removes his mask that is in some ways his security blanket his safety net. I just loved the show and loved the senses of humour Nic displayed as the phantom. It is his voice I find so beautiful. It would be nice to see Ramin and I don't know why he misses so many shows. I know and can understand that happening in the hot weather. I know people shouldn't but they do I just wish someone could get a DVD on you tube of both Ramin and Nic instead of just the sound. I know they have ushers everywhere but the Americans can lovely footage over there. I also think that Nic greenshields name should be given equal billing. With the Christine's both Robyn and Gina are given equal billing where as nic's name is right at the very bottom. I think it should say Phantom Ramin Karimloo and Nic Greenshields 'alternate' phantom. especially with the heat wave going on I don't know if they are doing this but if Ramin and Nic share out the performances during the heat wave say Nic does a Tuesday matinee and Ramin the night or just alternate as I would imagine all those heavy costumes and make up must be pretty hot and we don't want to exhaust them. I also think it would be nice if the really useful group could on their web site backstage give dates of all known performances where Ramin will be missing as it can work both ways people who like Nic get the chance to know he will perform and those who have yet to see Ramin know what dates to avoid. I know there is always some last moment where an emergency situation arises and that’s understandable but if there are set dates for which phantoms then you can choose. I am doing overtime shifts at the hospital so I can save for some more tickets to go again. Well back to hearing Nic singing music of the night before I get some sleep. it’s been a long and fairly busy night shift tonight. You lovely people out in the sun and it’s my bedtime. - Starchild | 03 Jul 09 |
| Saw this musical last friday and it was truly amazing!
The phantom was wonderful, but I am not entirely sure who played him. The man looked to be almost 3 meters tall!
Anyone who knows who I saw. - anna | 09 Jun 09 |
| I saw the Phantom last Friday nd I have wanted to see it for a long time. In our performance it was Nic Greenshields who was playing the Phantom and he was amazing. We also met him at the stage doorafter that and he signed my ticket and took pictures with us. - Sofie Du Bois | 02 Jun 09 |
| I love the movie and have dreamed of seeing it on stage. - Elia | 12 May 09 |
| Why is everybody complaining about Phantom? I'd like to see you do as well as the current and previous casts! I've seen the previous cast, Ramin, Robyn, Leila and Alex 4 times - they are outstanding. I am sure Gina and Simon are superb as well judging from clips on youtube. Stop complaining and watch it for yourself. :) And the orchestra is simply amazing, sends me chills to my back as soon as the overture plays! - Little Lotte | 04 May 09 |
| | Click here for more user reviews and to post your own |
