The Phantom of the Opera

For their 100^th show Babirra chose one of the most technically demanding in The Phantom of the Opera. Considering they were using a smaller stage than previous productions I’d seen, this was a big ask, and they triumphed.

The show opens with the chandelier rising from the stage to the ceiling at the end of a short auction scene, as the overture commences. The chandelier swung out over the audience and upwards to a spectacular show of pyrotechnics and an ovation from the audience. It set the tone.

Much use was made of the revolving stage to assist scene changes, and the action was allowed to flow. Descending to the bowels of the Opera House, a large section of the floor opened at the front of the stage to allow the Phantom and Christine to descend, then apparently appear on a walkway above before they returned to the main stage where the scene had changed to his underground lair. It was very effective.

In the title role Paul Batey was a menacing Phantom early, but incredibly vulnerable toward the finale. We felt his pain. He has a beautiful voice, though I’d have preferred him to retain that beauty, which he sacrificed for passion towards the end.

Diminutive twenty-one year old Georgia Wilkinson is an amazing talent. I’d been blown away with her Maria for Babirra as an eighteen-year-old and she has matured. Her voice was beautiful and she was a passionate Christine.

She worked well with Andrew Baker as a strong Raoul. Another very good singer and strong actor, he made love scenes very real.

Nikol McKail was a very good Carlotta. The fast vibrato in her voice made a good contrast to Christine. She was feisty, and fearlessly attacked all those fiendish top notes. Shanul Sharma, former lead singer of a heavy metal band, was a strong Piangi.

The chorus and orchestra did well, and “Masquerade” was a highlight. I particularly liked the costumes chosen for this scene.

The sound was an issue on opening night and hopefully will be addressed during the run. The orchestra drowned the singers on several occasions and some of the Phantom’s and Christine’s top notes were painfully loud.

But the full house confirmed that Babirra had conquered the Everest that is Phantom of the Opera.

Graham Ford