Phantom of the Opera Tickets

Regarded as the world's most recognized musical and certainly the most financially successful, 'The Phantom of the Opera' is undoubtedly Andrew Lloyd Webber's biggest hit. Based upon the 1910 novel by Gaston Leroux, 'Phantom of the Opera' is famed for being the second longest running West End musical of all time. When it's numerous international tours, seasons, recordings and subsequent award winning film, 'Phantom' is also said to be the highest grossing entertainment event in history. The initial Andrew Lloyd Webber West End musical opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on the 9th of October 1986 and was directed by Hal Prince and choreographed by Gillian Lynne. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman took the roles of The Phantom and Christine Daae, and both were recast for the 1988 Broadway production. 'Phantom' has won countless awards for it's various productions, including two Olivier Awards in 1986 (Best Musical and Best Performance in a Musical) and seven Tony Awards in 1988 (Best Musical, Lead Actor, Best Director, Best Costumes, Featured Actress, Best Sets and Best Lighting).

The 'Phantom' story begins with the two new owners of the Parisian Opera Populaire, Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre, observing their performers. 'Hannibal', the show being rehearsed, is being led by opera diva Carlotta who is interrupted half way through her aria by a falling backdrop. Though the accident is attributed to the 'Opera Ghost', Carlotta flies into a rage and resigns her position, claiming that she has had enough of the 'Opera Ghost' incidents. A young dancer, Christine Daae, is put forward to fill Carlotta's role and does so with great success. Christine admits to her surprised cast members that she has been rehearsing nightly with an Angel of Music who has been tutoring her singing. A note arrives for Christine from the opera's new patron, the Vicomte de Chagny (otherwise known as Raoul), who was a childhood friend of Christine and has been admiring her from the stalls. Christine declines his invitation to dinner, stating that the Angel of Music would be angry if she missed her lessons, only for the 'Angel' - otherwise known as the 'Phantom' - to appear. He whisks Christine through a series of secret tunnels to his hide-out, where he serenades her. Christine is shocked when the Phantom reveals his intentions to marry her, and when she snatches off his mask she is appalled at the deformity evident on one side of his face. The Phantom pleads with her to understand that he wants to be normal.

Later that evening, a performance is interrupted by the Phantom who is angry that the Opera's management have ignored his written demands to have Christine be given the lead role (it has instead been given to Carlotta). In the confusion, the corpse of one of the Opera's staff members is found and chaos erupts; Christine finds her friend Raoul the Vicomte and takes him to the safety of the roof. Raoul pleads with Christine to let him love and care for her. After Raoul and Christine leave, the Phantom appears and, having heard Christine betray him, he swears vengeance. Six months later, with Raoul and Christine engaged, the Phantom orchestrates a way to have a new musical he has written be performed at the Opera with Christine in the lead role. Afraid of the Phantom, Christine pleads not to take the role, though Raoul convinces her to so that he might trap and kill the Phantom. Half way through the performance, Christine reveals the Phantom - who has secretly assumed the lead male role in the opera - to the audience. Before anyone can capture him he kidnaps Christine and flees. Raoul finds Christine and the Phantom in his underground lair and challenges him to free his fiancé. Christine, realizing what must be done, kisses the Phantom, shocking him into freeing both Raoul and Christine. With this, the Phantom's heart breaks, and he vanishes, never to be seen again.

Currently showing at Her Majesty's Theatre in Haymarket (London), 'Phantom of the Opera' is expected to continue its extended season in London theatre for many years to come. The present cast includes Ramin Karimloo in the role of the Phantom, Alex Rathgeber in the role of Raoul, and Leila Benn Harris and Robyn North sharing the role of Christine. As 'Phantom' is popular with visitors to London - it is one of the 'must-see' London musicals after all - it is advisable that you book your tickets early so that you don't miss out.