★★★★★ (5 of 5)
Principals performing on 26/6/26
Dean Chisnall (The Phantom)
Lily Kerhoas (Christine Daae)
Fergus Dale (Raoul, Victome de Chagny) [cover]
Zoe Vallee (Carlotta Guidicelli) [cover]
Helen Hobson (Madam Giry)
Meg Giry (Mille Lyon)
Hywel Dowsell (Urbaldo Piangi) [cover]
Tim Morgan (Monsieur Firman)
Adam Linstead (Monsieur Andre)
A visit to His Majesty's Theatre brought some nostalgia for Rob because it was in this theatre nearly 40 years ago, he had his first taste of the strange affair of the Phantom of the Opera. Just days after its official opening night, Rob took his seat to watch the full original cast including Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, and became enthralled with Andrew Lloyd Webber's intoxicating score. This time it was Ian's turn to lose his Phantom virginity, and together we witnessed a show on the verge of a landmark anniversary.
The opening is still one of the finest in theatre, with the 1919 auction followed by that incredible fugue overture as the chandalier rises and the years fall away. And so then we are in Paris of 1881 where the famous Opera House is in the hands of new owners. They come to realise the theatre is commanded by a mysterious Opera Ghost to whose demands they must acquiese. When their diva soprano walks out following yet another 'accident' on stage, they discover among the ballet corp a young ingenue soprano in Christine Daae. However, she has had the most remarkable teacher, and when Raoul - Christine's childhood friend - becomes the new patron of the opera, events start to take a darker path. The Phantom of the Opera has no intention of letting young love stand in the way of his fixation for Christine...
This original production of Phantom has conquered the world, it remains the second biggest grossing musical franchise ever. Lloyd Webber has supplied some of his most memorable melodies, coupled with lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, to tell one of the most romantic musical tales of them all. The brilliant original direction from Harold Prince with choreography by Dame Gillian Lynne are spellbinding, added to Maria Bjornson's sumptuous set and costume designs, it adds up to one of the greatest theatrical productions of all time. And the candles that rise from the stage illuminate just how great this production is even after four decades have passed.
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Lily Kerhoas has the crystal clear soprano voice that infuses her Christine with such vulnerability, and lyrical grace. "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" remains a showstopper in her hands. We couldn't find a mention of Fergus Dale in the programme, and it seems he returned to the show at short notice, his Raoul is every inch the rugged suitor and protector, with a strong baritone voice. Zoe Vallee's Carlotta brings a welcome operatic bravura to the proceedings, and her scenes of rage as Christine's star ascends are a showcase for her power vocals. Helen Hobson's Madam Giry is not quite as sinister as some I have seen, but she plays the part well, and is a conduit between The Phantom (of whom she has previous knowledge) and the personnel of the Opera Populaire.
Dean Chisnall has big boots to fill as The Phantom, however he is very much up to the task. His soaring voice gives meaning to "The Music Of The Night" and veers between the monster killer and the vulnerable disfigured creature who falls for Christine. We must always feel pity for The Phantom despite his killing spree, and Chisnall has the character nailed.
Despite the many star turns on display, this production remains an ensemble show. "Masquerade" is a thrilling opening to the second act, and indeed the score contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most lush and romantic music. The orchestra, although reduced in recent years, still has 14 virtuoso players who play the score to the hilt, and make us believe we are at the grandest of Opera Houses.
Ian declared that The Phantom Of The Opera has been the highlight of our four show trip into the West End, and Rob remains satisfied that Phantom is in rude health and ready for the next 40 years. Happy Anniversary Phantom, may the Music Of The Night never be silenced.
Rob & Ian
Tickets and information on the London production can be found at the Official Phantom Of The Opera website.
Further listening:
Whilst the multi million selling original 1986 cast album starring Crawford and Brightman is the go to recording, we urge you perhaps to turn left and check out the Canadian cast of 1990 featuring Colm Wilkinson. Better known as the original Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Colm was actually the Phantom in Lloyd Webber's workshops before Crawford came on the scene. Click on the cover for sales options.
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