The Phantom of the Opera

On Tuesday evening my wife and I went out to a restaurant and then on to see The Phantom of the Opera at the Lyric Theatre here in Brisbane. I could count on one hand the number of times we've had the opportunity to enjoy a night by ourselves since we've had children so this was a real treat.

We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was such a pleasure to see (and hear!) the great Anthony Warlow in the title role (we'd previously seen him several years ago in the role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady). He received a standing ovation from the audience at the end. What a great show! Highly recommended!

From the Lyric Theatre site:

Celebrated as the world’s most popular musical of all time, The Phantom of the Opera is returning to QPAC with a spectacular production featuring the country’s original phantom and a local leading lady. In a rare treat for Queensland audiences, Australia’s first Phantom, the extraordinary Anthony Warlow, will perform the lead role for the first time in Brisbane.

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano - Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealously, madness and passions collide.

With spectacular sets and more than 230 costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, The Phantom of the Opera contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous music, including The Phantom of the Opera and Music of the Night.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical is based upon the novel Le Fantome De L’Opera by Gaston Leroux.