The Phantom of the Opera - His Majesty's Theatre

Joining the Phantom band wagon after discovering the film many years ago, it was so great to actually see where it all started!
Because I was in the Balcony, I completely missed the cast board! But from what I could see, I think we had the main 3 on! I thought all performanced were great, I have always found Meg annoying, and was only reminded more of how annoying she is haha! I did find all the leads really strong vocally, though there were a few moments where I thought Josh could have been more angry or upset, but I might be just too used to Ramin in the 25th filming.
I really enjoyed it, I have always loved some of the music, and think some of thr music is Act 2 is some of the best in musical theatre. I was worried that I would find the production tired, since it is the 'brilliant original', but overall I still think it holds up really well! Being up thr top, I really felt the full effect of the surround sound system, at times it sounded like the Phantom was right behind my ear, at other moments it sounded like he was the other side of thr theatre. I do think some things could do with being updated, and I found the chandelier very anti climatic! I just feel even sone sound effects to accompany it would help, being a fan of thr film, the chandelier is so dramatic, where I think it just feels flat! Though it raising from the stage during the Overture is something to behold! Also being top level, I saw the 2 stage hands come through the curtain to catch it, which ruined the moment ever so slight. The entry to the lair on the lake during the title song is still so magical, and works still so well, it's so simple, but is really effective!
I unfortunately was sat the extreme house left, so did miss some key moments downstage right, mainly the major moments in the final lair. It's also the side the office is situated, so missed moments there, which didn't help when people leaned forward.

Overall I really enjoyed it, so glad I have finally seen some musical theatre history!

As a follow up -

Outstanding!

I hope this isn't true. I'd always assumed Cameron Mackintosh was one of the more generous producers.

I don't mind Alex Belfield (I do like some of his reviews), but he does come off as a bit of a prat. But on the subject at hand, I do hope that this is not true as well. I know there's definitely going to be some issues, but I don't know how badly it will affect some current shows. For me personally, I think Phantom, Les Mis and Hamilton will reopen because those three are so successful and in regards to Phantom and Les Mis, they have stood the test of time. As for newer shows, like the Mary Poppins revival, I'm not so sure. 

Very curious about this news....

www.londontheatrereviews.co.uk/post.cfm?p=3237

Sadly, this is true. The Brilliant Original has played its final performance.

Just to be clear, this will be the new version of the original production, NOT the Laurence Connor production.

The theatre needs a refurb so this is part of the reasoning.

Theatre Fan, for accuracy’s sake, “the rest will be pre-recorded” is untrue. There will be no more or less pre-recorded music than the original production, but the numbers would be reduced to 14.

I’m not entirely sure on the facts about royalties, these are definitely “updates” of Lynne and Prince’s work, not replacements. So I don’t see how royalties could be avoided.

Well I hope that's true 💖 Wouldn't want to lose what was so special in the beginning. It was just what I'd been told. Thanks for the info x x x

The one that was touring the UK? 

I wonder if it was been in the planning even before the pandemic. As iconic as these productions are, after 34 years, it will start to look and feel its age.

Presumably the chandelier is kept though? It’s one thing not doing it on tour, but if they’ve been doing it for 3 decades at Her Maj’s then there isn’t really an excuse to scrap it.