Both Shows Now Taking Bookings to October 2012
The latest booking extensions to emerge from the capital concern the longest running musicals in the West End: “Les Misérables” and “The Phantom of the Opera”. Both shows opened in the mid-1980s and both are now taking bookings to October 2012.
“Les Misérables” is, of course, the famous musical from Cameron Mackintosh that first opened its doors at the Barbican Theatre in 1985, before transferring to the Palace Theatre and then to its current home of the Queen’s Theatre. As a result it was able to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2010 with a production at the O2 Arena and many guest stars.
It is set in Napoleonic France and follows Jean Valjean as he is released from prison and returns to a small community, where he is shunned by the inhabitants. As a result he takes refuge with a priest who protects him and even lies for him when he is accused of stealing silver. But Inspector Javert is not convinced and over a period of 20 years pursues him, determined to see him return behind bars for violating his parole.
It is now booking at the Queen’s Theatre until Saturday 27th October 2012.
Meanwhile, “The Phantom of the Opera” opened its doors a year later than “Les Misérables” in 1986. However, it has remained at its original location – Her Majesty’s Theatre – since the beginning of its run. It also celebrated its 25th anniversary, albeit this year, with its own special performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
It is a well known musical that is set in the Paris Opera House, where a tragic love story unfolds. The romance is between the beautiful opera singer Christina Daaé and a disfigured composer who lurks beneath the surface of the hall. Whenever things do not go according to the Phantom’s plans, the Opera House pays dearly and this is just as true when Daaé fails to get a part in a new show.
A sequel to the show, “Love Never Dies”, recently completed a run at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre.
But the original, “The Phantom of the Opera”, is now booking at Her Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday 27th October 2012.
