The Phantom of the Opera

I well remember the professional production of the The Phantom of the Opera and I was equally impressed with Windmill’s effort.

Although budget constraints did not allow for the massive chandelier used in the professional production, everything else about this was spectacular. There were moving staircases, and walkways, a motorized boat and scenery flying in and out to allow the action to flow. The lighting was also very innovative and the costumes lavish.

The title role is one of the most demanding in the repertoire. Tenor Richard Thomas may lack the polish of the great Anthony Warlow, but made up for that with his intensity and pathos. The audience felt his pain and many a professional production would have been pleased to have an artist of his stature.

I have been watching Kate Amos’s progress with interest and she has never been stretched as far as she was in the role of Christine. It was a tour-de-force. An operatic soprano, rather than the lighter musical variety one usually hears, she covered the full range of emotions and emerged triumphant. As her partner Raoul, Chris Buchanan sang well and they were a convincing couple.

My only complaint about the Carlotta of Cassandra Beckitt was her voice was too beautiful. I’ve heard plenty of shrill sopranos who may have suited the part better, but I’m sure the audience appreciated that one of these was not chosen for this part. It meant there was little vocal difference between the two leading ladies.

Cassandra was suitably over the top, as was Italian tenor, Robert Barbaro, who has developed vocally since I heard him last and was very funny. Maureen Andrew and Madeleine Magetti were excellent as Madame Giry and her daughter Meg, while Robert McKell and Peter Dennis, as the new owners of the theatre, both made an impact.

There were no weak links in this cast. The ensemble was tight, with “Masquerade” being a highlight.  The orchestra had a full, rich sound, but never overpowering, as is often the case, and the singers were well balanced.

This was another triumph for this bold company.

Graham Ford

Images: production images above by Dave Banen, portrait below by Gavin D. Andrew

Earlier coverage and details