Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber continues to broadcast his shows with what is arguably his most successful show yet: the longest running show on Broadway and the 3rd longest on the West End, The Phantom of the Opera, based on the book by Gaston Leroux.
After being impressed with Jesus Christ Superstar last week, my expectations are high. This show is in celebration of the 25th Anniversary (2011) celebration performance at the Royal Albert Hall rather than the show’s home ground of Her Majesty’s Theatre (where the show was first performed in 1986) in London’s West End.
It’s Paris 1905. The Opera Populaire has recently acquired some new owners and a new soprano: Christine Daae, who goes from a shy ballerina to the Opera House’s main star. Little does anybody know though she is becoming the obsession of the Phantom of the Opera (also known as an Angel of Music), a mysterious masked man who lives under the Opera House. Not many people know about him, but he controls the performances to ensure a respect for the art of opera. Meanwhile, a childhood friend of Christine, Raoul starts to gain an interest in her.
In addition to Lloyd Webber creating this masterpiece, Webber worked alongside one of the other big names in British Theatre: Cameron Mackintosh, who Webber has also worked with on Cats. This is notable in the performance when the cast are singing such as parts when they sing different parts at the same thing time, similar to Les Miserables.
Opera is known for its spectacle and elaborate production. Phantom supports this with the designs of the late Maria Bjornson, particularly the costumes during the Masquerade ball at the start of Act Two. The set designed by Matt Kinley, based on Bjornson’s original set translates to the hall well with the use of the nearby boxes as the observation boxes of the Paris Opera House to the famous chandelier, although we don’t see it collapsing. At the beginning of the show, these are hidden under drapes which makes the reveals more impressive.
The show’s choreography starts with ballet. Unfortunately due to the factor of this being a live performance with controlled camera angles, there are times when we miss this such the final dance at the end of Act One. There are times however when they take advantage of the change in scenery, such as camera views from the upper sections of the Royal Albert Hall making you feel like the Phantom is watching.
The backdrop makes use of projection mapping, creating various settings from the theatre to the sewers under the Opera House where the Phantom resides, including a bridge across the top of the stage.
The Orchestra conducted by Anthony Inglis is on display in the upper section of the stage near where the giant organ is located in the hall. Romain Karimloo and Sierra Boggers both do fantastic jobs playing the Phantom and Christine, including perfecting some of the best songs from the title song “Think of Me”.
At the end (as this is the 25th anniversary), they are challenged by the old guard Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman after the bows and prove they’ve still got it after what was 25 years since their first performance.
In conclusion, this was definitely a celebration of the Phantom and the Opera. A worthy performance to match with the elaborate costumes and set that Opera is known for having. Another highlighting moment is when Andrew Lloyd Webber comes out and later welcomes more people including Cameron Mackintosh and the original cast/company. The Royal Albert Hall was an excellent choice of venue as it helped with acoustics, creating a more emotional feel for the audience.
Phantom of the Opera is available to view on ‘The Shows Must Go On’ Youtube channel from 7pm 17th April for 48 hours concluding on the 19th April
By Stuart McComb
Feature image: LW Theatres