‘He’s Here…’ The Phantom of the Opera, His Majesty’s Theatre, London 10.04.2024
A rare Wednesday off work, daughter in nursery and a friends birthday! Like I was going to miss a chance to catch a cheeky matinee but also enjoy a mummy day off and treat a friend to a great musical in London! Especially when a personal favourite is the leading man!
The Phantom of the Opera at newly renamed His Majesty’s Theatre is one of the longest running musicals on the West End, this year will be its 39th year! From the mind of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber he brings you far beneath the majesty and splendour of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist (LW Theatre).
I had first seen this production in 2017, similar to Les Misérables it has since has an uplift and a few new cast members and the wish to see this musical again wasn’t just to see how the new production held up but also as Jon Robyns was performing as the Phantom – so of course im not going to let this one pass and I was thankful I was able to enjoy it with my very good friend Natalie.
I had managed to get these tickets about 2 days before and our view in the upper circle was pretty good! I was also very thankful that I had an empty seat next to me – Hayleigh was with me! From the moment the orchestra starts following the auction draws you in to one of the best musicals around the new updates give it that uplift to impress all and allow those that have seen it a chance to see something different and a bigger reason to go again! The only thing I would say was sound could of been a bit better balanced as during the Manager’s Office scene it was hard to hear all the verses and I still to this day I have no idea what they were singing and it felt a bit messy! But what did stand out perfectly were the solo’s and Masquerade was phenomenal.
After Jean Valjean, I had thought I had seen it all but then Jon Robyns was chosen to wear the mask and by far did he do it beautifully. He ensured that he gave his take to the phantom making it true to himself but also demonstrated all the emotions and power the Phantom has in the story. Again, it allowed him to really show how talented and mouldable he can be to give everything in any role he performs. ‘The Music of the Night’ was beautifully sung and allowed him to show of his strong vocals perfectly! Performing alongside him was his Christine played by Lily Kerhoas, who had the most beautiful voice that complimented Christine excellently, her relationship on stage with Jon was greatly portrayed and a complete contrast to her love interest Raoul played greatly by Joe Griffiths-Brown. You could tell that it was Raoul that Christine wished to be with, from their duet ‘All I Ask of You’ which was a personal highlight.
Lily De-La-Haye stepped in the many stunning costumes of Carlotta Giudicelli, who excelled at the spoilt fame driven soprano. Other mentions go to Maiya Hikasa as Meg who was innocent yet ensured she had a presence especially during the finale.
There is no doubt about it that Phantom deserves to be still in the West End and holding the crown at His Majestys theatre perfectly. Still blowing audiences away and leaving the gasping at the classic chandelier moment! For all Ticket Information head here. You will not be disappointed,
