THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA...

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I've ALWAYS wanted to see The Phantom of the Opera, ever since it was first released in 1986.  I've lived in London for 20 years, so can't actually believe that I left it this long.  I had some time spare so booked to visit the matinee performance yesterday, trudging through weather that resembled that of the tropics (think hot rain) and putting in an appearance at Her Majesty's Theatre in Haymarket looking like half-drowned rat.

This show lived up to the hype and then some, and did not disappoint.  I can certainly understand why it's still selling out nearly thirty years after opening.  The performances were exemplary in each and every way and the talents of the performers unmatched. Only the great get to perform in the West End and the singers/ dancers/ actors were all spellbinding and real experts in their field, as you would expect.

I've always steered a bit clear of musicals in general.  I find them too upbeat and zippedy-do-dah for me.  I don't want to listen to cheerful.  And I certainly don't want to see light, bright and trite.  Give me tragedy!  I'm a serious person- MOVE ME!  The only other musical I have seen is the fantastic Blood Brothers, which was suitably dark, and I suppose I'd better give Les Miserables a go in the future (the title of that one appeals to a gloomy cow like myself)...

As for Phantom, the music and the show itself sent shivers down my spine and I found the whole thing incredible moving.  I would certainly go to see it again and am looking forward to doing so.  The only anti-climax was the chandelier scene.  It was a real blink-and-you-miss it thing and I can't remember that much about it.  I don't even think the chandelier lights were on or flickering, it all seemed to happen that fast.  Mind, you, I was way up in the balcony, so was actually sitting higher that the chandelier when it was fully pulled above the stage, so that was no doubt why the impact of the fall and the swing was lost on me.  Next time, I'll go for a seat in the dress circle or stalls.

Swinging chandelier PDF

Lucky Sarah Brightman, having her husband, Andrew Lloyd Webber, so madly in love with her that he wrote a musical for her.  But strange that he should then leave her only a few years later.  Hmmm. 

As Graham Norton pointed out, on his show, to her, 'Andrew Lloyd Webber  is not the prettiest boy in the playground.'

She responded by saying, 'Ah, but he had the biggest willy!'

And I'm sure that you all feel better for being left with that thought in your minds!!!!