The Phantom of the Opera

The set was stunning with theatre boxes either side of the stage and on opening a covered chandelier (Lot 666) just in front of the MD. I love the start to this show with the auction and the minute the Orchestra strike up with that familiar overture and the chandelier starts to move to the ceiling I get goosebumps. This time was no exception as the Orchestra sounded fabulous and the chandelier rose to the roof. The sets were fantastic with lots of candle light for the dungeons and a moving  boat to carry the Phantom and Christine.

The show was well directed both creatively and musically with a cast where the oldest was 16. Singing a score which mainly consists of Opera is no easy feat but the cast produced lovely performances in the main. The MD and vocal coach Deborah Stokes had clearly worked hard with this young cast. The choreography looked good although not all the cast were dancers and the costumes and props were stunning to compliment the characters. The make up particularly that of the Phantom was staggeringly good even from close up as he came through the audience in one part.

The chorus parts were played well. Casting of boys of this age can be so difficult with voices changing week on week and Opera being such a hard discipline to learn. The lessons these young people will get from performing such a difficult piece will help them to grow so much in future roles.

Grace Kennedy played a lovely Meg and although only 12 years old and considerably smaller than the rest of the cast held her own on the stage. Madame Giry was very well played by Sarah Prayle who with her height looked every inch the ex ballerina part she portrayed. Her lines were well delivered with the sinister edge this part requires.

Andre played by Oliver Davenport looked every inch the theatre owner and delivered his lines well with good vocals. His colleague Firmin was brilliantly played by Hugh Cotton who has bags of stage presence and great comic timing in a role which needs to show that comic, pompous side.

Will Bours played a nice Raoul with lovely vocals and Joe Burns as Piangi played the comic role with a nice natural touch.

Jenny Perry looked every inch the Prima Donna Carlotta and acted the part well with good comic asides. At 14 singing opera is very difficult and Jenny put in a performance well above her years.

Millie Beard performed beautifully as Christine, looking the part but also showing such compassion in her acting and with clear vocals on her numbers. This role is a difficult one which Millie captured really well.

The star of the show was of course The Phantom played extraordinarily well by Ewan Ling. His characterisation and portrayal was beautifully captured down to the shaking hands and despair at losing Christine. I am still astounded that this young man is only 15 years of age, so accomplished was his performance. I cried at the tenderness shown and the final scenes had me in bits. Acting and vocally this was a brilliant performance by Ewan. Never an easy role to play and for someone of this age to have the depth of character to portray this role is amazing and I thoroughly loved it.

Well done to everyone involved in this production which was joy to review.

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