* Apologies for the time it has taken to produce this review, I have been fully occupied with auditions for my own production but can now breathe once more. *
In sleep he sang to me,
in dreams he came.
That voice which calls to me
and speaks my name.
I saw a college production of this some years back but had never seen a professional one, therefore, what better place to rectify this but in the home of the show at His Majesty’s Theatre, London in the West End. Phantom of the Opera needs no introduction, being a worldwide musical phenomenon for nearly 40 years. Therefore, when the auction prologue is done and those opening organ bars sound, you get goosebumps.
So many good numbers including the title, plus, Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and Past the Point of No Return. But were expectations exceeded? Not really. Yes, it was a top-quality show and one of three I saw in two days (along with Paddington and Oliver) and now revisiting the moment over a month later; this one sticks in the memory the least. And I think one of the issues is that I have seen the film, plus an excellent academy production (courtesy of the Birmingham Ormiston Academy), and listened to the soundtrack often over the years, and nothing surprised me. Every show, even one as iconic as Phantom, needs a reboot every now and then otherwise it gets stale and although this did not get to that point, I can’t help feeling it could do with a tweak or two. But that’s just a minor niggle because I cannot deny the great work of the tremendous cast, orchestra and delivery of top vocals and choreography.
In the Phantom, we had a powerful performance from Dean Chisnall with Lily Kerhoas excelling as Christine. Adam Rhys-Charles was the Vicomte De Chagny with Joanna Ampil as Carlotta. Tim Morgan and Adam Linstead were outstanding as Firmin and Andre and added many of the lighter comic moments this intense show needs. Helen Hobson was strong as the matriarchal Madame Giry while Millie Lyon captured the spirit of her daughter, Meg. I am intrigued by Meg, though, because in all the mediums I have seen and heard Phantom, I always feel there is more to her story, which is then expanded upon in Love Never Dies.
Costumes were great, as was the set and I must commend the cast and crew for their professionalism when a member of the audience was taken ill towards the end of Act One (mid song). We were told, thankfully, all was well and the person was conscious, but it was more surprising just how many doctors happened to be watching Phantom of the Opera that afternoon. They seemed to come running from all areas within the theatre.
All in all, a great experience, but as I have said, maybe time for a few new ideas, just to freshen the old dog up a bit.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos taken from the public domain and may not be representative of the performance viewed.
Antony N Britt - Author 