Haunted by the Phantom

Brace yourself, I’m about to gush about my night at the theatre…

Based on a thriller by Gaston Leroux, The PHANTOM OF THE OPERA centres on a masked, reclusive figure who lurks in the depths of the Paris Opera House. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her talents while exercising a reign of terror over the Opera House’s occupants.

We waited with bated breath as the lights were dimmed. Suddenly, the sight of a huge chandelier flying above our heads before crashing dramatically onto the stage sent audiences shrieking with fright and delight.

Indeed, you haven't lived until you've seen the infamous chandelier fall towards you or watched a gondola coming towards you across a lake in the eerie catacombs under the Paris Opera House.

The opulent production perfectly captures the spirit and style of the setting for this 19th-century romantic tale of obsessive love. The gorgeous costumes are a never-ending feast of eye candy. In fact, the show’s so well directed, there's never a dull moment from start to finish.

Such clever casting and sheer brilliance in every act! One scene that lingers in me was the splendid Masquerade party where the cast, all in fancy dress, were mounted on a staircase. Absolutely brilliant theatre and a picture of glitz! And how the stage and costumes change ever so quickly is simply beyond comprehension!

Such impressive singing and acting too! The Phantom’s character is at once refined and uncultured, dominating while nurturing. Some heart-wrenching scenes remain unforgettable - Phantom punting Christine through the labyrinthine underground in the build-up to his big number, The Music of the Night and Christine's All I Ask of You.

The sweepingly romantic score and tragic music has a visceral tug and continues to haunt me even now… The Music of the Night is still ringing in my ears!