With 2010 seeing the arrival of the anticipated sequel “Love Never Dies”, audiences still have an opportunity to witness where it all began at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End. It is here that audiences can witness “The Phantom of the Opera” in all of its glory, from the glitz and glamour of its Parisian Opera House setting to the stark contrast of its dark underbelly, where a young composer with a murderous habit lurks.
One of the longest running shows in the West End, “The Phantom of the Opera” first opened its doors in 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre and ever since that date the cast have performed to near-full capacity, with audiences eager to witness the world famous production.
Set over 100 years ago, “The Phantom of the Opera” transports us to the Paris Opera House, a location where a legend lurks behind the scenes. A disfigured young composer, the Phantom hides his face behind his signature mask and wreaks havoc when he does not get his own way, causing particular mayhem when the young woman he idolises Christine Daaé does not get a role in the new opera “Il Muto”. The Phantom is secretly in love with Christine and beneath the glamour and the chandeliers that make up the decor, he teaches her everything he knows to propel her from lowly chorus girl to a world class performer.
But as time goes on Christine becomes secretly engaged to the Opera manager Raoul, with the Phantom devastated by the news and inevitably causing chaos everywhere he goes. But before the curtain closes at the end of the show, Christine will be forced to make a very difficult decision.
Her choice brings the show to an end and subsequently leads to 2010’s “Love Never Dies”, the new show that Webber has penned for the stage. However, the original “The Phantom of the Opera” was adapted from another source – the novel from Gaston Leroux “Le Fantome de L’Opera” that first appeared in English back in 1911. When the novel fell into the hands of Webber it would only be a matter of time before a new musical production would be presented to the world and since it first appeared here at Her Majesty’s, it has been witnessed by crowds around the globe. From Broadway to Los Angeles, Australia and beyond, “The Phantom of the Opera” is a global phenomenon that continues to gain new admirers.
Such is the global success of the show it has been seen in many corners of popular culture, from parodies on famous comedy programmes to a 2004 movie adaptation. This was directed by Joel Schumacher and starred Gerard Butler as the Phantom opposite Emmy Rossum as Christine.
There have been many well known names to grace the stage show, including Ramin Karimloo, who was the youngest performer ever to take on the role of the Phantom. He will be transferring to “Love Never Dies” in 2010, handing the role over the David Shannon on his departure, another world class performer who is set to do justice to the iconic character.
“The Phantom of the Opera” continues at Her Majesty’s Theatre where it is currently booking until 2011.
(Note: Due to the nature of the show and layout of the theatre, there will be points in the show when the view might be obscured).
Reviews
Seen Phantom 7 times now 3 with Michael Crawford and 1 on Broadway. Still makes me cry after all this time .. best show of all time!! Jackie
What an experience!! I took my parents to see Phantom on 13th Feb 2010 it was awesome fabulous performances fabulous scenery and the chandelier!! what can I say. If you do nothing else in London you must go and see this. This experience will live with me forever! Helen
Been to loads of shows but nothing is like phantom its amazing and nothing can match it after all these years! i will be back to see it again the next time i am in london if you think its the sort of thing you would not like just go ahead an give it go you will love it i am sure of it. lets hope that love never dies is just as great as this fantastic story!! mr orr
Went to see Phantom of the Opera in December and had amazing front row seats it was brilliant and knowing the music and storyline before hand was good as I went with someone who didn't know the music or the storyline but he still thought it was a fab show. Maria
Went to see phantom of the opera for my 40th what an amazing show thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. carrie
Went to see both Phantom and wicked while visiting London. Had crappy balcony seats but the theatre itself was beautiful and fit in with the atmosphere of the show perfectly which was excellent. Darragh H
Venue Information
Venue
Her Majestys Theatre
Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4QL
Travel
Underground: Piccadilly Circus (Picadilly/Bakerloo lines) - Exit Piccadilly Circus via south/east exit for Haymarket. Her Majesty s Theatre is about 250 metres down Haymarket on the right.
Rail: Charing Cross - Take Bakerloo line to Piccadilly Circus.
Access
Wheelchairs: Please ask a member of staff to open the second side exit door on Charles II street. Wheelchair users must bring a non-wheelchair using companion. PLease call 0870 906 3838 for more information.
Hearing Impaired: Infrared headsets available from cloakroom.
