[mjr]

The last time i saw phantom was in Edinburgh a few years ago on its last national tour. Any memories i had of the show were always positive so was interested to see the 'brilliant orginal' as described in advertising.

Every aspect of the show is strong, and i think new casts bring fresh light to the show, I was very cautious about what to expect knowing that the show had been playing for over 25 years now. Of course the cast were on top form, and the orchestra superb, although the entracte was played suprisingly fast, almost too fast, although more to do with the conductor than the orchestra.

The set is fantastic and the lighting brings out the best and completely sets the atmosphere and makes the costumes look wonderful! However some of the set is a bit creaky, particuarly christines dressing room, as they were bringing it on you could hear it loudly creeking, also when takign away the stairs for the ball, there was a huge amount of noise as the stairs were moved off the stage area behind the curtain.

Cast and all leads were all wonderful, sometimes however mikes could have been louder, I loved the orchestra, but sometimes struggled to hear the cast over the fine band of musicians. The only time i could hear and didn't feel what was being said was clear, was in prima dona, particuarly with the opera house owners.

All in all a superb afternoon out!

[mjr]

Sorry should have said the following.

Although i have been greatly looking forword to the sequal for a long time, by the time the show got to the climax of the final layer scene, the more i wished the there wasn;t going to be a sequal, I think the ending will eventually become emotionless from the audiences perspective, especiallly that when they know when the phantom dissapears from his chair he is actually running down the road to the Adelphi! But my mind is still open, but i think the way phantom ends is perfect! But who knows, maybb the sequal will be great and have an equally emotional ending?