If you have
seen The Phantom of the Opera in the
West End I would still insist that you go see this tour. The musical has been
around for twenty eight years and so this was a truly remarkable way to
re-invent such a timeless classic. Although the London stage had set my
expectations for a large-scale, overpowering phenomenon and even though the
tour has been clearly down scaled a little bit, it combines everything that we
have ever loved about the show but provides a new angle that allows us to fall
in love with it all over again. I was still astounded and captivated and I
would gladly repeat my visit every night until it leaves town!
For anyone
who may not know what The Phantom of the
Opera is actually about here is what you need to know. It takes place in nineteenth century
Paris, in an opera house. Our leading lady Christine (Katie Hall) is forced to
take the spotlight when the Italian Diva, Carlotta (Angela M. Caesar) refuses to do the show. This turn of events
delights Christine’s childhood sweetheart, Raoul (Simon Bailey) and another
man… the Phantom of the Opera (Earl Carpenter).
Where do I even begin?
Katie Hall was the perfect Christine.
She hit every note so beautifully and really changed the way I saw Christine,
she made her gutsier and yet never forgot that Christine is described as
having her head in the clouds.
Earl Carpenter's Phantom was haunting.
He was cruel and he was frightening but clearly also vulnerable and lonely and
I couldn't help but fall in love with his character.
Simon Bailey was a fantastically
well-chosen Raoul for this production to play the strong, handsome man who
sweeps Christine off her feet. Their chemistry was completely
believable and his duet All I ask of you was
simply breath-taking and he proves to be a worthy rival to the Phantom.
Carlotta (Angela M. Caesar) along with
Monsieur Firmin (Andy Hockley) and Monsieur André (Simon Green) provided
the comic relief for this show and believe me; the timing is always
impeccable.
There were times where the majestic
setting was lavished in gold and red and then suddenly you would be thrust into
the dark world of the Phantom and take the journey through the dimly lit and
highly smoky passage to his lair. I was completely mesmerised by the setting from
the magically appearing stairs that concealed the underground world to the boat
that sailed across the stage.
The music and lyrics are unforgettable;
from the powerful title song The Phantom
of the Opera to the beautifully haunting Wishing you were somehow here again and of course, the love ballad
to lead the way for all other love ballads, All
I ask of you. You will find yourself still singing along to the songs
months after you have left the theatre.
From the moment the lights went down we
were completely entranced. If you are a fan of musical theatre this is one not
to miss!
What more can I say? It was absolutely
spectacular!
Check out the trailer!
Wow this sounds incredible! I want to go!!
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