Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, is still running to packed houses at London’s stunning His Majesty’s Theatre. It’s honestly no surprise why this show remains one of the most loved musicals of all time. Making things even more exciting, the spectacular production is about to welcome two incredible talents to step into the iconic mask.
A Tale of Two Phantoms: John Owen-Jones and Ben Forster
The show is gearing up for the massive return of a true West End legend: John Owen-Jones. Having played the titular Phantom more times than any other actor in the London production’s history, Owen-Jones returns to the role on September 7th following a critically acclaimed run in the English National Opera’s production of Sweeney Todd.
Following his run, the incredibly talented Ben Forster—who will first be spreading Christmas cheer in the festive musical Elf—is set to take over the mantle from Owen-Jones starting February 1st.
Fresh Faces and Returning Favorites
“The new Phantoms are sharing the stage with an absolutely amazing supporting cast. We’ve got the wonderful Celinde Schoenmaker taking over as Christine Daaé, right off the back of her cracking run in the Les Misérables musical. It’s also brilliant to see Nadim Naaman returning to the production, stepping back into the shoes of the noble Raoul. Joining the company are West End veterans Michael Matus (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) and Christopher Dickins (War Horse). Meanwhile, crowd favourites like Lara Martins, Jacinta Mulcahy, John Ellis, Alicia Beck, and Emmi Christensson are staying on in their roles, with Lisa-Anne Wood stepping in as the alternate Christine Daaé.
A Timeless Gothic Masterpiece
Inspired by Gaston Leroux’s classic Gothic novel, The Phantom of the Opera unfolds within the magnificent yet mysterious Paris Opera House. At its heart is a haunting and deeply emotional story of a gifted but disfigured composer, hidden behind a mask, whose overwhelming obsession with the young and talented chorus singer, Christine, changes both of their lives forever. With Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sweeping, Olivier Award-winning score—featuring legendary, unforgettable showstoppers like “All I Ask of You,” “Think of Me,” and “The Point of No Return”—this production is far more than just a standard theatre ticket. It is a breathtaking, bucket-list experience to share with your nearest and dearest right in the heart of London. The Phantom of the Opera musical show is running in its 40th year.