• Showing at: Her Majesty's Theatre, London, UK.
• Season: 20 years
• Buy Tickets
• Entertainment Rating: 94%
• Drama Rating: 94%

Phantom of the Opera has long been regarded one of the most incredible musicals ever performed, written by no other than Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. As we waited outside with antisipation, the sheer number it had attracted gave me the impression that we were in for something good.

Set in the Paris Opera House at the turn of the century, the cast of their latest musical "Hannibal" are terrorised by, you've guessed it, the Phantom. The Phantom has seemingly fallen in love with Christine, a young member of the chorus, and terroriises the producers into making her the leading lady. A childhood sweetheart, however, steals Christine from Phantom. Phantom of hte Opera is the dramatic and all-to-common tragic jealousy in love, surrounding a character that has never been loved, but longs for it constantly.

The musical reaches so many emotional levels inside of you that, I must confess, it has been one of the best of the "tragic" musicals I have seen. With its dose of humour, classic love songs, and tragedy, the way the music pulls you from laughter to smiles to tears is incredible.

Featuring some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most famous songs, the music simply blows you away. Fantastic casting has ensured that vocals are powerful and moving. But it was the strings that really took grasp on the audience. The music is strangely relaxing, yet constantly exciting. This really does make it one of the best musicals you can see at the West End, and most theatre lovers will enjoy its splendour.

Love the music. Pity Phantom. His world has only ever been scarred by hate because of his deformed face. This tragic tale of suffering, jealousy, and victimisation echo even today's society. Moving and relaxing, this musical is enjoyment for anybody! 

Review by Richard J Turner (10th August 2004)

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