Phantom Closes for Four Shows, Sound Upgrade

For the first time in almost 22 years, the West End’s second longest-running musical, The Phantom of the Opera will close for four performances. There will be no shows next Monday, Tuesday (a midweek matinee day) or Wednesday while a new digital sound system is installed at Her Majesty’s theatre, where Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical has been running ever since its premiere in October 1986.

Due to the continuing success of the show, it has not been possible to make any changes to the production without causing major disruption to advance bookings. Producer Cameron Mackintosh decided, before the new booking period went on sale, to invest around £400,000 in the show by keeping four performances off sale and installing this state-of-the-art new system.

Andrew Lloyd Webber explained: “The most recent productions of The Phantom of the Opera around the world from Vegas to China have the most fantastic sound systems. It is wonderful that the flagship London production will now have the newest and best of them all to get the best out of our huge cast and the largest orchestra in the West End.”

Mackintosh added: “Phantom had ground-breaking sound when it opened in 1986, and Andrew and I have wanted for some time to give our sound system a complete update so that our audiences could enjoy the most exciting theatrical sound in London.”

Designed by Mick Potter, the new digital system will double the amount of microphones used in the show, with the Phantom himself use three microphones from next Thursday 8 May, when performances resume. The new surround sound system will consist of over ten kilometres of cable, 120 speakers placed throughout the auditorium and a digital sound desk that will make the largest orchestra in the West End and 40-strong cast sound more powerful than ever before. Technicians will begin to work around the clock as soon as the curtain falls on Saturday 3 May so the installation is complete in time.

The Phantom of the Opera celebrates its 9000th performance at Her Majesty’s on 31 May 2008. In 1999, it was named the 20th century’s most successful money-making show, dwarfing even blockbuster Hollywood films like Titanic at the box office. In December 2004, Lloyd Webber released the £55 million big screen version, directed by Joel Schumacher.

Worldwide, the stage version has been seen in 124 cities in 25 countries, played to over 100 million people, grossed over £1.7 billion and won 50 major awards, including three Oliviers in London. The West End production now stars Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom, alongside Robyn North and Leila Benn Harris, who alternate in the role of ingénue singer Christine. The production is directed by Harold Prince and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and the Really Useful Group. It’s currently booking until April 2009.

– by Terri Paddock