The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall online

Theatre generally suffers when viewed in film form as opposed to being seen in person; however, The Phantom of The Opera proves to be just as compelling a watch in the comfort of your own home as it is live in a grand theatre. The acclaimed anniversary production of the show, originally performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2011, is now free for 24 hours on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new YouTube channel. With its high production value and attention to detail, it proves to be one of the best-recorded performances to date and something no musical lover will want to miss.

Based on Gaston Leroux’s novel, the Tony award-winning work has always been a classic that is fun to watch. The story is set in 1881 Paris, where Christine (Sierra Boggess) is thrown into the spotlight as she becomes the obsession of a mysterious man who haunts the theatre in which she works. The Phantom of the Opera (Ramin Karimloo) gives Christine her dreams of stardom, but at what cost? The 2011 staged version does the iconic tale justice. With fabulous staging, performances and even nods at the play’s legacy – with appearances from the original UK cast – everything about the Royal Albert Hall’s production feels polished and impressive.

To capture the atmosphere and the excitement of a live performance is not an easy feat; in fact, it seems to be the Achilles heel of most shows viewed via online streaming. This recording, however, took its medium change into account and is expertly edited in a way that still manages to immerse the audience. The dreamy transitions and strong cinematography are evidence of a creative team who know what makes good TV as well as theatre. This version is made for the viewer at home; it doesn’t feel as if you are simply watching an audience experience half of what you cannot. The Phantom of the Opera explicitly caters to a new crowd, not those in the original stalls but those behind a screen, making this the perfect way to get your theatre fix while stuck at home.

Emma-Jane Betts
Photo: The Really Useful Group Ltd

The Phantom of the Opera is available to view on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s YouTube channel for 24 hours from 17^th April until 18^th April 2020. For further information or to book visit the website here.