Managed to get 3 tickets in the stalls row M, seats 20,21,22 - checked out
this guide and thought fair value was acceptable.
Yet again the show was fantastic, it just gets better every time I see it, you
notice parts that you totally missed the first time round. the cast were
magnificent.
I must comment on the helpfulness of the theatre staff, as my grandmother uses
a wheel chair, we were approached on entering the theatre by staff and taken
round to a side door, shown the disabled toilets and taken to our seats before
the crowds came in.
Our interval drinks order was taken and a selection of gifts from the
kiosk was bought round to our seats of which nanny bought ............the
lot!!
We all thoroughly enjoyed the show and when the crowds had dispersed the
staff bought out our wheelchair and had a good old natter with nanny asking
her what she thought of the performance.
Customer service at its best!
I must say the seats were fantastic, I totally disagree with other reviewers
who have said to avoid the stalls, by far the best seats we've had seeing this
show. I was worried that the stage would be high and we'd get a crook neck
from looking up, but the stage is low and the view was amazing, we couldn't see
the chandelier going up once it had passed the Grand Circle, due to the
overhang, but that's a small price to pay for such a clear and close view of
the cast.
Can't wait to see it again, amazing!!!!
Jamie Coniam
London
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Saw this last night (30th March 2005) and unfortunately we didn’t enjoy this show.
Our biggest mistake with this show was not to note the seat numbers to avoid. We had 2 seats in row B of stalls (front row), what a nightmare, No leg room at all!!!!!!
People next to us were really annoyed especially as these are top price seats!
I have read other reviews and it appears most people love "Phantom" but we didn’t feel it was worth the visit. I appreciate it is an operatic production, but when all the characters sang
different lines at the same time it just came across as a cacophony of noise. I was aware my Husband was uncomfortable all night and it was a pleasure when it was all over.
Saying that I thought the set and costumes were well produced. Rachel Barrell as Christine and Oliver Thornton as The Phantom had amazing voices.
I suppose you either love it or hate it and unfortunately we fell into the latter.
Chris
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I am a huge, huge Phantom fan and firmly believe that the show is the best in
the West End but after seeing it last night (29th April 2005) I was hideously
disappointed.
The show was appalling. It was quite painful to see it in front of me. Why?
Quite simply it was the cast. My first moan goes to Raoul (who is currently
played by Oliver Thornton). Now I have see the Phantom just over 10 times now
- he is far below the standard of any other Raoul I have ever seen. I do
believe that he single handedly ruined the show. His performance was a
disgrace and how he got such a coveted part I will never know. His voice is
much too weak, his acting is poor and the way he reads Raoul and decides to
play him is insensitive and irritating. Because of this - for the first time,
I didn't care what happened at the end of the musical.
Earl Carpenter as the Phantom showed potential, but isn't up to such a
challenging role. His portrayal is very simple in such a complex work, and it
seemed as if he was just bashing through the songs - like sight-reading. This
was incredibly disappointing too.
The supporting cast were fairly anonymous too. None put in a noticeable or
commendable performance and didn't help to arouse any emotions within the
audience for how we should feel towards any character. They just dragged the
whole thing out. None of them deserved to have such wonderful roles in such a
wonderful musical.
In fact, the only positive to come from such an abysmal evening was Rachel
Barrell as Christine. She was very impressive and did the musical justice -
easily bettering Sarah Brightman for anyone who listens to the original CD.
She played Christine with great intricacy and sensitivity. Unfortunately - £50
is rather a stiff price to pay to see such a good performer.
So for a show which is all about the relationships between the characters it
failed. It was rather sad to see a show I love being massacred. I had no idea
such incredible music could be ruined so easily. I left feeling cheated.
As for my verdict - it is still the best show in London and a must see (many
times)! But wait until this cast moves on. I wish they would hurry up...
Alf
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I went to see Phantom of the Opera just after Christmas time. I had possibly
the worst seats in the house, due to late booking. (Balcony) Still, I didn't
expect to miss half the show.
I was extremely disappointed. Not that I had a bad night, I did enjoy it, its
just that it was nothing near as good as everyone made it out to be.
Yes- the show had an amazing and powerful set...but if you can't see
it...what's the point? I was very annoyed that the whole thing was played to the
Stalls, because not everyone can afford £50 a ticket. The only way I would go
and see Phantom again is if I sat in the Stalls, but I'm not prepared to pay £50
for a show I didn't rate that highly.
My main problem is that the music is boring. If a musical doesn't have good
music, it is pointless to me. The 3 or 4 good tunes are all played in the first
half an hour, which leaves a good two hours of "musical mess". So, I
couldn't see the stage properly, and I couldn't just close my eyes and listen.
The whole show is hidden behind a huge chandelier, and some very talented
singers.
__________________
Well, what can I say? It was as fabulous as ever!!!
Rachel Barrell is the best Christine I have ever seen, it was such a relief to see a real actress/singer after the horrors of
Emi Rosum in the movie. Rachel is by far the best singer I have ever seen in the part, not sounding
in pain or like she was struggling. Her character was a bit cold for my liking and sometimes quite
aggressive, but still fab.
>Then we move on to Oliver Thornton, well, what positive thing can I say? Well,
he was very good looking - that's where the positives end. I do realise that the part of
Raoul is not well, good, it seems the writers got board when they got to his part!!
But come on, he could of tried to make his character a little less boring or camp.
Still, it was a relief to hear a non-American accent (both Patric Wilson and
Emi Rosum needed voice coaching).
Erl Carpenter was good, but not in the league of John Owen Jones, who is fab.
The curtains need a good wash (as an earlier reviewer noted, I think), but it was still great!!!
Come on, recast already!!
Edward Bernstone
(phantom fan)
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I somehow managed to miss seeing Phantom of the Opera until the end of May
2005. I can't compare the current cast with any other but they didn't strike
me as anything special. Earl Carpenter as the Phantom was rather subdued and
didn't have the edge of menace I felt he should have had. I couldn't decide
if he was deliberately lisping at times in "Music of the Night" or if the
mask was constricting his mouth. Oliver Thornton as Raoul was also weak but
I found his character unbelievable anyway and the love affair didn't engage
my emotions at all. Rachel Barrell as Christine sung with considerable
volume (but see below) and was the best of the cast.
A feature of the performance I'd never really been forced to consider before
in the theatre was the amplification of the singers. It all seemed too loud
to me and at times I found the level almost painful. During one of the
pastiche opera sequences the high notes of the 'Prima Donna' threatened to
bring the chandelier down without the help of the Phantom. It gave the whole
performance a strident edge that I did not enjoy.
I was sitting in B21 in the Dress Circle which should have been fine as I'm
5'11" but two people in front of me actually blocked a lot of the view
(they also rustled bags to show each other their shopping for large sections
of the show). They were asked by the staff to stop leaning forward onto the
front of the Dress Circle though, but they still obscured a lot of my view.
A child near to me was given a cushion but still had problems seeing
properly.
I didn't really enjoy this show much and wonder if it's getting a little
tired now.
Jon.
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I took my mother to see this show as a birthday treat on the 25th June 2005
and it certainly didn't disappoint. The cast were fantastic and the show
certainly lived up to our expectations, so much so that we may go back again
this Christmas for my birthday!
I booked seats M6 and M5 in the stalls, solely based on your seating recommendation, and they
offered a perfect view of the stage plus ample leg room for the average sized person. I'm 5ft 9".
The acoustics were very good also.
As this was a birthday treat for my mother I wasn't too concerned about the price and thought
the £47.00 tickets a reasonable price to pay for such a great day out and such good seats at a top
London show.
Many thanks to the Phantom cast, and Theatremonkey, for making a happy day
extra special.
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My partner and I went to see this show recently (July 2005), it was my
umpteenth time and his first. I have to admit to not being a huge fan of the
show, as, although there are many aspects of the production that I like, the
show as a whole does not gel for me.
We purchased our tickets from the TKTS booth in Leicester Square and were
seated in the circle on the second row and the seats were very good and we had a
great view.
The show itself was very enjoyable but I did feel that it was starting to
show its age a little and some of the characterisations are a little sloppy. We
both had to agree though that Earl Carpenter, as the Phantom, was superb, he
gave so much to his performance in the final scenes that we were both quite
moved and I have never before been able to feel for this character. My partner
really enjoyed the show and we both agreed that the staging is excellent.
All in all an enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment but not a show we will be
rushing back to soon.
Messrs Colin and Asa Mccarthy-Burton
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18 years, and its still playing to sold out audiences every night! Millions
of people can't be wrong! This show is and always will remain the best
musical in the world.
This show is simply amazing; the cast do a great job carrying the heavy story and musical score. The show is almost impossible to describe, as it is
so good. Earl gives the best performance of The Phantom I have ever seen and heard. I may even go as far as to say that Earl's voice is more powerful and
his performance is better than Mr Crawford!
The set and special effects are also amazing. The costumes, especially the lavish "Red Death". The thundering Overture sets the show off into a great
whirlwind of excitement, and the show lives up to all of the hype associated with it.
Both the current London Christine's are also amazing; the passion with which
they sing is brilliant. Oliver Thornton (Raoul) isn't the best in the cast
but then again isn't the worst, his voice is pretty good and his acting is
acceptable, but Earl outshines them all.
Please remember that the musical was the original and the movie came after,
the movie was slightly different from the show (the show being better). But
if your looking for a show to see in London go and see this, or end up
kicking yourself as you leave some other poor show and see the audience
leaving "Phantom" totally amazed. You have been warned!!!
!!!LONG MAY PHANTOM RUN!!! And perhaps come on a UK tour????
Enjoy!
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I was visiting London from the US July 25 2005, and luckily procured fantastic tickets for Phantom of the Opera. The production was inspiring as always; I could never tire of seeing it.
The cast was excellent, and the Phantom's performance was quite impressive and emotional. I was, however, very disappointed in the performance of the gent playing Raoul. While he had a great presence about him on stage, I didn't feel he fit the part, and as a trained tenor myself, I thought he should have been able to resonate his lower register better. In the trio with Phantom and Christine, Raoul's voice did not project, and his interjections were lost...
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I was on holiday with my family all the way from Brisbane Australia and me
and my sister went to see "Phantom of the Opera". Having loved the
interpretation of the movie, I thought I should see the stage play, and I
thought it was amazing! No doubt there is a large amount of prima donna style
'drama', but come on! The story is fiction about a masked musical genius living
in the catacombs of the Paris Opera! The melodrama is what makes the story so
interesting. Really Theatremonkey, stop being bland and enjoy the creativity!
Andrew Lloyd Webber is a musical genius and Phantom of the Opera is not to be
missed. The Phantom is such an amazing character, and is portrayed so well. The
costumes are beautiful, the stage work is clever and creative, and the
performances are bar none.
I will agree though on one thing. The poor Phantom should get Christine! He's
cool enough, not stupid Roaul with his high pants and stupid hair! Talk about
rejecting people because they dont appear normal! Tut tut Christine Daae!
Phantom Phans I would love to hear from you!
Nat Keys
keys2494@yahoo.com
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Firstly, I would like to thank the Theatremonkey's frequent updates of
special offers, which is where I searched for a fabulous offer to see "The
Phantom of the Opera". I have long-awaited for a discounted ticket to this show.
It was my first time to see it and thanks to theatremonkey, I got a full-priced
ticket less £20! (Central Stalls an' all!)
Ok, enough of the money talk. I had expectations aplenty of the show, giving its
18-year run in the West End. They were definitely met. It was extraordinary.
Very haunting and terribly tragic. The ambience of the whole show was carried
away even after I left the theatre - a true sign of a successful theatre
experience. I found myself humming to the melodies of Masquerade and Music of
the Night as I was driving home!
Earl Carpenter as the Phantom was so fitting. Even though I have not seen Mr.
Crawford's original display, I knew Earl's haunting voice was key to play the
Phantom. Most memorable.
This classical theatre should be running for many years to come. For someone who
normally favours the more modern musical like myself, "The Phantom of the Opera"
certainly took me by surprise. A "Must-See". I truly understand this statement
now. A "Must-See" indeed.
Karen.
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We took our seven year old Twins to see Phantom for a birthday treat at the
beginning of August 2005, though my Wife and I had seen it four times
previously.
The kids loved it and want to see it again for their next birthday, but
personally Phantom had lost some of it's magic. Earl Carpenter in the lead was
very good indeed though not in the same league as Crawford who we had seen on
two occasions.( We wish we had seen our fellow Welshman John Owen-Jones to
compare). A special mention to Oliver Thornton as Raoul....absolutely terrible!
How he got such a prestigious part is way beyond me!
We sat in the Royal Circle and found the seating cramped and the view inferior
to a good Stalls seat.
We'll probably revisit next year if the kids demand!!
The Johnson Family
Port Talbot, South Wales
UK
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My first West End show. When we bought the tickets I wasn't that excited. I
wanted to experience a West End show as even at only 24, I saw it as one of
those things you have to do sometime in your life.
The show starts with an elderly Raoul (in a wheelchair) buying a music box
at an auction at the old opera house that had being previously haunted by
the phantom. This is very important to remember for the rest of the show.
After this scene the unmistakeable unique theme music begins, the sound in
the theatre was amazing, better than any cinema.
At this point, I didn't know what was happening to me, the music caused the
hairs on the back of my neck to stand up and I felt a shiver down my spine.
A few seconds and I'd gone from wondering if we'll make the last orders at
the pub, to being totally enthralled. I was hooked from that moment on, from
the start to the finish. I have since listened to the music from the
original cast (Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman), but in my opinion,
Earl Carpenter (Phantom) and Rachel Barrell (Christine) are far more
talented. As soon as Rachel began to sing her first solo of the evening I
got that same feeling I did as the music began, although this time more
intense. She has the kind of voice that you would never get tired of
listening to. It was a pleasure to see her perform, other than being
beautiful she acts astoundingly well and really feels the music. Overall the
Phantom of the Opera is a must see, even for those who have never taken in a West
End show before. It would be nice if a soundtrack was available of the
current cast.
J Middleton of Sheffield
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I thought I was the only theatregoer to have been disappointed by 'Phantom'
at Her Majesty's but thankfully I have now realised that I am not alone. I
thought I must have been tainted having seen the movie far too much, and that it
was just me who was mildly disappointed by the acting efforts of Earl Carpenter
and Oliver Thornton.
It must have been eight months or so since I saw it and, as far as I can tell,
since then only the Raoul has changed which, frankly, can only be a blessing.
Rachel Barrell made a marvellously emotional Christine and kept her as the
feisty chorus girl of Leroux's original novel. She lifted the slightly flat
acting of the Phantom wonderfully and kept Raoul's head above water. I adored
Carlotta. She was fabulously camp and over the top, as any good diva should be.
'Phantom's tragically dark tale is a mix of romance, gothic horror and mystery
and Lloyd Webber chooses to focus on the romantic side of the story. The
struggle that Christine faces in choosing between the Phantom and Raoul
represents her two very different sides; the dark, edgy Phantom, verses the safe
Raoul. I know which one I'd choose... ;)
The lavish sets and spectrum of colours explode onto the stage, especially at
the start of the second act, and capture your attention and your heart. The
beautiful sounds of Lloyd Webber's music, combined with the wonderful lyrics of
Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, stay in your mind for weeks on end and, to be
honest, it's not really such a bad thing!
I would definitely recommend 'Phantom' to anyone. It is Lloyd Webber's triumph
and looks set to remain that way for a very long time.
__________________
My 7 year old daughter and I recently went to see the show (February 9th
2006) and it was just brilliant. We sat in the Stalls in row D, seats 9 and 10.
In my humble opinion, the current cast is the best, though I have only seen it
once before.
She loved the whole thing, but was a little bit worried that the chandelier
might fall on our heads! It was probably the best birthday I could give my
little girl.
I was also impressed with the leg room, I'm 6 foot and it was ample.
Christian Toime
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I am utterly astounded at the few negative comments about POTO (Phantom Of
The Opera). I first saw this magnificent production in December 2004 and in May
2006 will be seeing it again for the 4th time.
The first time I saw it was a xmas present and I wasn't too excited about it
to be honest, I listened to the movie soundtrack that was also a xmas present
and quite frankly thought that I was going to find the show quite hard going! I
couldn't have been more wrong, from the very beginning I was hooked and when the
chandelier swings into the audience with the spine chilling music the hairs
stood up on the back of my neck.
>My favourites are: "Masquerade", "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" and
"Think of Me", although I love all of it. The second time I saw POTO I realised
I had missed so much the first time round, so knew I had to go again just in
case I missed even more!
Earl Carpenter has to be the best Phantom, how he packs so much emotion into
it every night for so long I really don't know, and Rachel Barrell is an
excellent Christine- both deserve Oscars in my opinion.
I always sit in the stalls as I think you get the best views, but wouldn't
sit on the front row again due to a stiff neck!! This show knocks spots off the
movie and I am currently reading the novel, struggling a little with it as it is
quite different.
The gentleman that previously wrote in the defence of Raoul lacking charisma
is so correct in what he says, yes this is how Raoul is supposed to be......I
think that those who slate POTO have no appreciation for this form of
entertainment which is absolutely fine as we all have different tastes but hey
just admit that its not for you, there's no need to rip it apart....take note
Theatre
Monkey, Grrrrr....
P.S. I own; POTO compact mirror, a POTO monkey music box that plays
"Masquerade", a POTO mug and a framed POTO poster with all my tickets
in.....does that make me a sad Monkey?????....My Lawyers are watching!
cherylbrazier@hotmail.com
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I disagree with the negative reviews on "The Phantom of the Opera", Earl
Carpenter was excellent as the Phantom, even better than Michael Crawford; and
Katie Knight-Adams was excellent as Christine.
I loved the chandelier, although it was literally centimetres above our
heads, some lady in the audience screamed and many of the audience gasped as it
was unexpected.
Also, I was in front row (Seat B10) - it is a restricted view because of the
conductor - but he was not in my way at all, and B11 was affected slightly
although it really wasn't a problem unless your under 4ft perhaps.
The only moan I have is that sound wasn't loud, so you missed parts of the
singing, and the final lair boat scene, I missed parts of that. Apart from that
it was excellent, and am glad I got an excellent view sold at a restricted price
even though it wasn't affected in the slightest. Highly recommended.
Ashleah Skinner,
London
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I went to see this a few weeks ago with a very open mind as I normally prefer
something light and breezy and didn't think I was going to enjoy it-but I did!!
- and would recommend anyone to see it
Ms Christina Brooks
N6
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Went to see "Phantom of the Opera" on Tuesday 27th June 2006, it was
BRILLIANT! Far better than the film version. It had me in tears and goosebumps
in parts. The main character's "Phantom" and "Christine" were excellent and put
so much into their performances.
We sat in stalls row "J" seats 3 and 4 and had a really good view of the stage.
The overhang starts at row "J" so we were able to see the chandelier but any
further back and some bits of the show would have been missed. The seats are a
bit old and so aren't as comfortable as some other theatres that have been
updated, but we had enough leg room. The theatre was lovely, like stepping back
into Victorian times and the whole atmosphere was perfect for "Phantom".
Cant wait to go and see it again!
Sherrie
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Saw the show for the first time on Monday 10th July 2006, absolutely loved
it! Can't wait to go back and see it again.
My cousin and I were in London for a special few days break and chose this
show to see out of all those currently on as we loved the music (I have a copy
of the original cast recording LP!). We checked on this site for seat info and
had seats K23 and 24 in the stalls and found them very good, saw everything, my
cousin is slightly taller than me so she could see the chandelier right to the
top. Got the full effect of the chandelier falling too without being directly
underneath it!
We loved everything about it, the effects, the story, the acting and singing
and I agree with other people, although we have no comparison with others, Earl
Carpenter is fabulous as the phantom. Despite what theatremonkey says, to see
the theatre sold out on a Monday night in July proves how good the show is.
My only gripe is actually about the theatre itself, something needs to be
done about the seating, the seats are quite small. If you are a 'larger size
lady' like me you get wedged into the seat and literally cannot move until the
interval (an American lady in front of me had exactly the same problem) and then
feel so stiff afterwards. Even for someone slim you also have to get out of the
row to let people get past to their seats in the middle. My cousin is only 5'5"
and she said there was not much leg room either. But that is only a little moan,
we were so caught up in the show it didn't detract from it, we just had a good
stretch in the interval and settled down again for the second half.
Final comment, absolutely brilliant show, would thoroughly recommend it, want
to go again, and again, and again..........
Katie B
Birmingham UK
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I saw ‘Phantom of the Opera’ for the first on 13th July 2006. I wanted to see
the stage show after I saw the 2004 film, (the best thing to do is to see the
stage show then the film). As tickets for Phantom are expensive, I went on
Lastminute.com to get tickets which offered me a £10 discount on each ticket.
The problem with this is your not allocated seats until you get to the theatre.
I had great seats in the upper circle (H17-18). The only tiny problem with view
the seats is that you can’t see the head when the Phantom enters (2 second
obstruction), at the start of Act 2 and the chandelier blocks the phantom for a
few seconds when he is at the top of the stage at the end of Act 1. Legroom is
poor but manageable (I’m 6”1 and it was a small problem, but easy to forget
about when watching the production).
The only understudy was Christine Daae which was played by Tabitha Webb. I think
this understudy made no difference in my enjoyment of the production.
I had two problems with the production though. My first problem was Raoul. Great
performance by the actor (David Shannon), but I thought he looked much older
than Christine (maybe it’s because of the understudy) so found it hard to
believe that they were “friends” when they were children. The major problem is
the sound. After nearly 8,200 performances in the same theatre, you would think
the sound would be good. When the actors sang on stage is sometimes was hard to
hear, and when the actors sang off stage or a recording was playing it was much
louder, so they either make the sound louder when the onstage or quieter when
they are off. To add more atmosphere, they should make all of the sound louder.
The illusions in the show are great and they get better as the show goes on.
Phantom of The Opera is like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. I LOVED
IT!!!
James F
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Went to see Phantom on Saturday 23rd September 2006. I did not think I would
enjoy this, just booked it for my girlfriend's birthday as I know she likes
musicals, however, I will be honest and say I thoroughly enjoyed the whole
performance. I thought the voices of Christine and the Phantom were absolutely
superb.
As I mentioned this is not my kind of thing, but this is a MUST see for anyone,
even if they think it is not 'up their street'.
Loved it.
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We saw the show for the first time on Saturday 7th October 2006.
After consulting Theatremonkey (thanks again, your
website is always a great help), we booked four seats
in Upper Circle seats E15 to 18.
The view of the stage was excellent, as was the view
of the top of the theatre, we had a great sight of The
Phantom during his performance in 'The Gods'.
The leg room was more than adequate, I am 6ft2 and had
no trouble at all.
The only gripe is I had to move from side to side to
see the centre of the stage, due to a tall gentleman
sitting directly in front of me, but this must have
applied to those sitting behind me due to my height.
The stage sets were fantastic, as was the whole
production.
My only word of caution would be take a light jacket,
the air conditioning is too good!!.
___________________________
I could not recommend this musical less. It is dragging the West End back.
I sat in the Upper Circle. Terrible sightlines and no legroom. I was so far
away from the stage that I felt like I couldn't be further away from the
action. Not that there was much action coming from the unengaging acting and
plot.
It was made in the 80's....and it shows.
This was utterly disappointing. The score was unimaginative and bland, the
sets looked dated and the 'special effects' were clunky and distracting.
Do not believe the hype, this show may be in its 21st year, but that is
surely musical retirement age.
Go and see 'Mary Poppins' or 'Wicked' who are still in their gloriously
fresh infancy.
Andy B
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I have just seen "The Phantom of the Opera" at Her Majesty's theatre in
London (November 2006), sitting in row B seats 13 and 14 and would recommend
this show to anyone. The seats were amazing and I was so close to the action, I
did not have a problem with legroom or cricked necks. I could see every feature
of the phantom's deformity, saw all the fine detail, and felt that the singers
were singing just for me, they tended to stand just in front of these seats to
sing the big pieces. The flares were startling and I could feel the heat from
them, the chandelier was scary, I would recommend these seats anytime.
As for the show itself, it is hard to describe how wonderful it is, the music,
the storyline etc. I am already planning another visit to the show, I know it
won't happen, but hope the phantom gets the girl next time!
Anne
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Saw Phantom 1st December 2006. After seeing John Owen Jones twice, and Scott
Davies once, I thought Earl Carpenter did a pretty good job - though vocally
John Owen Jones was better. I've seen him with Celia Graham and they were superb
together. The big disappointment was Katie Knight Adams, I have never seen
someone sing and act so badly on stage (and I have seen many shows). I can't
believe she is hired for this job. She doesn't look like a young girl at all but
more like a witch, especially when she sings. She completely screwed up the last
part of 'Think of me' which was already shorter than usual I think due to her
vocal limitations. She even lip-synced the duet 'Phantom of the Opera' because
suddenly her voice was completely different. Also with the notes at the end she
was too late opening and closing her lips. At that time you heard her voice only
over the speakers and not coming from the stage as before (I was very close). I
felt sorry for Earl that he had to work with such a bad performer who was
overacting all the time.
A big compliment however for Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta, she was very very
good. However, make sure you see Celia Graham as Christine when you book this
show.
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Saw this show on the 28th December 2006, with Celia Graham as Christine,
Earl Carpenter as the Phantom and Michael Xavier as Raoul.
This show, along
with 'Les Misérables', is one of the "crown jewels" of West End theatre. The
spectacular staging always dazzles, and the score throbs emotion throughout.
The opera managers, monsieurs Andre and Firmin provide light comic relief
throughout, as well as being key to the storyline.
For those who expect a
traditional musical, do not go here. Phantom is a heavy gothic rock show
dressed up as an Opera, and if you do not like Pipe Organs and electric guitar
this show is not for you. Some scenes-mainly the hanging of sceneshifter
Joseph Buquet - are not suitable for young children.
Earl Carpenter's singing
and acting is superb throughout, as he brings true emotion to the role. Some
may find his higher-pitched singing rather light, as he is closer to Michael
Crawford than his predecessor John Owen-Jones. Michael Xavier is a great
improvement on David Shannon in the role of Raoul, Vicomte de Changy and
Christine Daae's lover. However, make sure you see Celia Graham in the role
of Christine rather than the dreadful Katie Knight-Adams. Graham's singing
is beautiful throughout the show and she never misses a note, while reviews
of KKA have been far less favourable.
Overall a superb show-see it at least
once and DO NOT believe the review the monkey has given it.
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To all concerned with the production and performance of this show.
I have collected, vinyl - CD - DVD and finally, as a 60th Birthday treat with my
family, I sat in awe and watched the show.
Form beginning to the final curtain this production was excellent. Please pass
this on to all of the cast (company) and production team.
Thank you all very much for a fantastic night out.
Dave Lorenz.
Hull, UK
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This is the fourth time I have seen Theatremonkey's favourite show! I got a
half price ticket from the 'Get Into London Theatre's offer website (ended 17th
March 2007) for the performance on 28th February 2007.
I was seated in stalls row C seat 11, right in the centre. I thought it
strange that the three seats (10,11 and 12) in front of me were unoccupied.
Maybe people didn't turn up, or maybe these are saved for sale on the night? The
rest of the stalls were full. I was right behind the conductor, but as is
written elsewhere on this site, he isn't very tall and from where I was seated
wasn't much of a problem. On the stage right in front of me was a wooden block
which may have contained lighting. This obscured some of the action, but in the
second half it wasn't there.
I was so close I could easily see the microphones of the performers. I could
also see how Christine and The Phantom enter the mirror, which spoiled the
effect for me. Being so close has some advantages. The Phantom's deformity can
be clearly seen, and you see the performers' expressions. Christine's
interaction with the Phantom when she gives him a ring and kisses him being
especially moving.
The lady next to me had an exciting moment (she went oohhhh) when a male
dancer was leaping around and his thong showed beneath his costume! She was also
excited by the falling chandelier and ducked as it passed over, but I would
prefer to be further away. I found myself having to look from side to side on
occasions and had to look almost straight up to see the Phantom in the
chandelier.
On my first viewing (from the Upper Circle) I remember being amazed when the
rows of candles appeared for the Music of The Night scene, but from row C this
effect is muted, also the cloud which is so effective from further away obscures
the action I reckon rows G and H would be much better, or probably the main
green area of the Dress Circle.
I didn't find the seat very comfortable. The leg room was very good, but the
back of the seat wasn't very forgiving, it seemed a bit too straight. Not sure
if I will go again, certainly won't if I have to pay full price. After seeing it
four times it has lost some of the excitement and emotion I felt on the first
three occasions. This was the first show I ever saw in the West End and that is
always an exciting time for anyone. The man next to me was entranced and said it
was wonderful, exactly my reaction when I saw it first in 2000.
<later visit:
I got another half price ticket, this time for the stalls, row N seat 14 for
the matinee performance on March 13th 2007. A line from one of the songs goes
"Half the cast aren't here, but still the audience cheer" The same could be said
of this performance r.e. the use of understudies. Strangely there was no
announcement stating the changes in the cast, maybe because there were so many.
Ramin Karimloo played the Phantom. Rachel Barrell played Christine and Andrew
Thwaite was Raoul, and there was a stand in conductor as well. When I arrived
home to look at the cast list I thought Rachel Barrell was an understudy for the
understudy. In reality she is, but a little research told me she played
Christine from September 2004 to October 2006 and received very good reviews, so
hardly an understudy!
I enjoyed this performance much more than two weeks ago (above) when I was
seated almost right at the front in row C seat 11. The sound was much better
from row N. I picked up almost every word, the view was much better, especially
the effects and scenery. Also being further back meant I didn't have to look
from side to side when the action was spread out, and I didn't have to look
almost straight upwards trying to glimpse the Phantom in the chandelier. I felt
the seat was more comfortable as well, maybe as a result of me not having to
crane my neck from side to side and upwards. In my review of two weeks ago I
wrote about a wooden block at the front of the stage which appeared to contain
lighting, from further away I can confirm it does contain lighting, and it does
appear in the second act. It swivels when not in use and is flat on the stage.
I'm sure you all wanted to know about that. As the climax approached I felt my
eyes moisten and I was totally engrossed in the fine performances. The Phantom
magic has returned for me !
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Went to see Phantom last night, 2nd May 2007, after finding an excellent meal
and a show deal on this site, ate well at the Mintleaf restaurant before the
show. Good meal, and good seats (A23 and A24, front row of Dress Circle.)
Really enjoyed the show, Earl Carpenter as Phantom and Rachel Barrell as a
superb Christine. Not much legroom in the front row of the Circle (I know, I
know, you warned us) but thoroughly enjoyed it, now seen it three times. When I
went to pick up the tickets, there was a rehearsal going on which you could hear
from the foyer. The box office clerk said they were ‘running in a new cast’ and
this made it even more enjoyable, queuing whilst listening to some good choral
singing.
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I would just like to add my review of a most
wonderful and exhilarating performance of 'Phantom' (9th June 2007). We were in
row P which was just under the Dress Circle but in the middle, the only bit we
missed was the chandelier going higher up than we could see; but we saw the
Phantom on the top of the building.
I have always loved the music and have watched the recent DVD release a few
times but NOTHING compares to the live stage version. The music and pure voices
bring a lump to your throat and the way that the sets change around to create
the different scenes is amazing. The walkway down to the Phantom's lair was a
really slick and effective trick, and had you believing they were really walking
downwards.
I cannot honestly fault anything at all and we are going again for certain -
it's the best show we have ever seen. If anybody sees just one show this year
make it "Phantom of The Opera!!" Beats the DVD any day!! I have played the
soundtrack every day since coming back, ha ha.
Our visit 9th June 2007 2.30pm performance.
Tracy (35), Simon (35) and son Chris (18)
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Went to see Phantom again last week (June 2007) – it must be 15 years since I
last saw it. However, really enjoyed it – still produces the old goose bumps –
it has to be said the music is great.
We sat in the Royal Circle rows A and B (couldn’t get 6 tickets together) and
although one or two parts of the performance are out of view when they go to the
far side of the stage generally good seats.
The girl lead was very good, as was The Phantom although the same cannot be said
for Raoul – he had a very weak voice and was totally overpowered by Christina
(not sure of the name of girl who played her - but the dark haired one). I am
told by someone who saw the blond one, that they did not like her voice at all,
so lucky me that I got the other one!
Paid £25 for top price tickets from See Tickets so a good deal.
Lizzie still loves the Theatre!
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We were disappointed in this production (August 2007), and aghast that Carlotta had a
much nicer voice than Christine! They should have switched roles.
We were in Row B, which is the first row, I am only 5' 2" and my knees were
crushed against a low black wall between me and the orchestra, sit further
back for a much better view.
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I was disappointed when I found out the main actor would not be
playing the phantom. Nic Greenshields was in the role, however! He
was brilliant and earned the standing ovation he received at the
end. He was physically imposing, powerful, menacing and sensitive.
His voice was beautiful in my opinion he was the best phantom I have
seen.
I was sitting front row centre (B13 and 14) and found these seats to
be very good, experiencing no problems at all.
Still sorry he failed to get the girl!
16th November 2007
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