Opened: October 2, 2011
Book by: Richard Stilgoe & Andrew Lloyd Webber
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Charles Hart & Richard Stilgoe
Royal Albert Hall Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Wendy Ferguson, Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, Wynne Evans, Sergei Polunin, Daisy Maywood, Nick Holder, Earl Carpenter, Philip Griffiths, Simon Green, Stephen John Davis, Garðar Cortes, Heather Jackson, Ellen Jackson, Rosemary Ashe, Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, Killian Donnelly, Katie Hall, Peter Jöback, John Owen-Jones & Colm Wilkinson
The original classic commemorated its 25th anniversary in the West End by performing live at the Royal Albert Hall.
When new owners take over an opera house, the Phantom (Ramin Karimloo) ensures that newcomer Christine Daaé (Sierra Boggess) takes the lead in the shows over current lead Carlotta (Wendy Ferguson). As Christine starts a romance with Raoul (Hadley Fraser), the Phantom becomes more possessive.
This is the ultimate performance of this magnificent show. The one downside is that the chandelier was not able to crash at the end of the first act. However, the acting and vocals are incredible with Karimloo, Boggess and Fraser giving arguably the best performances ever of the main three.
No other show makes the score as important as this one and it will be stuck in your head for days.
Final say: A triumph of talent. ★★★★★
