___________________. And no matter how creepy Ramin Karimloo's 'Phantom' can be, his singing is beautiful and will blow you away. I first saw 'Phantom' in the West End over 20 years ago and cannot believe I waited till November 2011 to see it again - twice! The seats are a bit old and so aren't as comfortable as some other theatres that have been updated, but we had enough leg room. This is not the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Sarah Brightman Story because occasionally the musician also bursts into song. From here the music and sound was also excellent. Brilliant view, although little leg room - but that is because the theatre is old, so has to be expected. - and would recommend anyone to see it _____________________, Thought I'd drop you a line with regard to my most recent trip to London to finally catch "Phantom," a show that I've wanted to witness for a long time but not enough to fork out for the always-top price and hard-to-get-without-booking-early seats! The toilets were out of order resulting in long queues around the stairs. ___________________________________. Port Talbot, South Wales Also, I am not a huge fan of Charles Hart's lyrics and the way words are sometimes crammed into songs, whether they fit or not (and quite often they don't rhyme which bugs me!) Phantom and Christine were unconvincing and overworked, while Raoul fell into the usual trap of being a charisma vacuum. Evening Performance on Monday 28th November 2016. St. James's, Hands down, the best seats in this theatre are the front rows of the dress circle. Final comment, absolutely brilliant show, would thoroughly recommend it, want to go again, and again, and again. Millions of people can't be wrong! So, without further ado, we give them to you. Chris Rouse. If you dismiss her in the first scene. I saw Phantom of the Opera on 12th July 2012 with a friend. Not that there was much action coming from the unengaging acting and plot. Her voice was brilliant and she had a hard task hitting all those high notes but she did it every time. Cant wait to go and see it again! You won't see me at those kind of things. The poor Phantom should get Christine! To overcome the staging, surmises the monkey. What a spectacle! ___________________, My first West End show. Now for someone like me who has seen the show before row M is fine if going for the first time it's about 4 rows too far back for the view of the chandelier rising and falling. Very enjoyable, polished 5 star performance. It's nice to hear the different levels he's brought to the role. Having seen the show a few times before we had our own personal taste on how we like our Phantoms to be portrayed and were not sure how Scott would fare - we neednt have worried. The drinks at the middle break were extremely expensive, but this is LONDON. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Even though I have not seen Mr. Crawford's original display, I knew Earl's haunting voice was key to play the Phantom. Oh, and theatremonkey thinks the heroine should have got the Phantom - her bloke suffers from a total charisma bypass. I had no interest in opera, only knew one song and only knew the story in brief (and the Phantom was the only character I remembered) before I went to see it. I'll keep this short as I have done a review before. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Its an iconic role that demands much of its performer, far too much it seems for Mr McCann. I have since listened to the music from the original cast (Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman), but in my opinion, Earl Carpenter (Phantom) and Rachel Barrell (Christine) are far more talented. Alex was very charming, the nicest actor I've ever met. E-Book Overview. There is no differentiation between sections of this theatre, so the seating bank is more akin to something youd see in a lecture hall. Was interesting watching other people not knowing where the Phantom was speaking from - but if you knew where to look you had no issues seeing him. ___________________, I saw Phantom of the Opera for the first on 13th July 2006. The only moan I have is that sound wasn't loud, so you missed parts of the singing, and the final lair boat scene, I missed parts of that. From my angle I couldnt see the orchestra pit so I actually didnt even know there was a live orchestra playing until after the curtain came down and there was a bunch of people clustered around the railing at Stalls level and I went over to have a look - this discovery then added to my awe of the show. I was also impressed with the leg room, I'm 6 foot and it was ample. We don't seem to have any photos from this section. Haymarket, St. James's, London SW1Y 4QL 020 3925 2998. On taking our seats we could not help but notice how impressive the set looked even pre-show. I know which one I'd choose ;) One of the cities most beloved, Her Majestys has a gorgeous Art Deco glamour about it, even if the foyer functions a bit like a loading zone. This meant that most of the auction scene at the beginning was ruined and that is quite important in setting the scene and building atmosphere. ___________________. Well, Theatre Monkey, I have been to see the Phantom again, and it is just the best. Friendly staff, comfortable seating and our party of four ____________________. _________________________________________, 9th July 2015. The silver lining for me had to be the 80s music: not long into the first half the synthesizer kicked in, shortly followed by the drum-beat which I'm guessing originated from the same lame 80s Casio organ (they must have been taking good care of it for it to last so long..). Besides which, Phantom is a classic "OF IT'S TIME". 57 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QL, England Open today: 11:00 - 23:30 Save West End and South Bank Theatre Walking Tour in London 16 Book in advance from 23.00 per adult Check availability View full product details Leanne_Dee Coventry, United Kingdom 13 13 Restricted view Review of Her Majesty's Theatre London Reviewed 14 July 2017 via mobile magic!!!! I am 5' 11" tall and my knees where jammed against the seat in front. The costumes, especially the lavish "Red Death". Christian Toime Not just slightly rubbish, but really, really rubbish. We actually had a full principle cast, with just one role (M. Firmin) being played by an understudy (he was excellent by the way) which makes a pleasant change! The other principles were also very good. Dedication for the Red Gambit Series This series of books is dedicated to my grandfather, the boss-fellah, Jack 'Chalky' White, Chief Petty Officer [Engine Room] RN, my de facto father until his untimely death from cancer in 1983 and who, along with many millions of others, participated in the epic of history that we know as World War Two . I actually started off really liking his performance. When the Phantom was on top looking down he seemed to be looking directly at us. 1st floor is mostly seating and is the upper level. I couldn't have been more wrong, from the very beginning I was hooked and when the chandelier swings into the audience with the spine chilling music the hairs stood up on the back of my neck. I was very annoyed that the whole thing was played to the Stalls, because not everyone can afford 50 a ticket. The tyranny of distance is lessened in the back of the stalls and dress circle thanks to the refurbishment, but depending on the scale of the production currently playing, you may wish to avoid the nosebleed sections if you want the best view in the house. The cast is completed by Hollie Aires, Connor Carson, Corina Clark, Michelle Cornelius, Edward Court, Lily De-La-Haye, Hywel Dowsell, Serina Faull, James Gant, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Emma Harris, Yukina Hasebe, Thomas Holdsworth, Olivia Holland-Rose, Jacob Hughes, Grace Hume, James Hume, Tim Morgan, Michael Robert-Lowe, Eve Shanu-Wilson, Tim Southgate, Anouk Van Laake, Jasmine Wallis, Ralph Watts, Skye Weiss, Simon Whitaker, Lizzie Wofford and Andrew York. A big compliment however for Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta, she was very very good. Maybe he is quite new to the role, I'm not sure, but he is instantly forgettable; and there was far greater chemistry between Christine and the Phantom - she should have stayed with the Phantom and told Raoul to clear off! She played Christine with great intricacy and sensitivity. Buying through lastminute meant I couldnt choose my seats My one criticism (perhaps controversially) is that on several occasions, especially apparent in Notes/Twisted In Every Way in Act Two, there are too many people singing different lines over each other to hear what anyone is singing individually. I came back about 30minutes later, when all the queue had gone, and I asked what time would it be worth coming back later. Didn't like this musical - worst musical I have seen in West End. So if anything is happening higher up the stage you cannot see it. ___________________. We tell you the seats to buy, which to avoid, and how to get them at the best prices, Haymarket, The acoustics were very good also. Strangely there was no announcement stating the changes in the cast, maybe because there were so many. He was by far an amazing singer and actor. Reader reviews. the use of understudies. Legroom was ample, and so long as nobody in front of you leans forward, you needn't move for the entire duration of the show. Come on, recast already!! Good view of the stage though quite high up. Dont recommend this seat at all. The only thing I could think of that annoyed me about sitting in these seats is that Gina Beck (who plays Christine) had her back to us in some of the scenes, so we couldn't see her reactions to the other characters. Close enough to see the actors expressions and costume details but not to see any secrets behind the special effects. They were very nice, but for 24 we were expecting more than 12 tiny little bite sized treats, they were gone in seconds! This sweeping, irrepressibly inventive novel, is a romance, but a romance of You may also get moved to a better seat if the auditorium isn't full! The set and props were used well and it is always interesting to see how a show can use the space. 1st in line got O3 which wasn't better. I sat in the Upper Circle's B36, which is priced at 21 due to its very restricted view. Very angry and very disappointed. Now getting excellent shows to the area coming further north than Edinburgh or Glasgow. And, given the new awareness of safe spaces, its generally not too confronting to sit in the front row. In fact, the only positive to come from such an abysmal evening was Rachel Barrell as Christine. You can't miss the beautiful, street-facing entrance, and although there is no designated drop off area, cars can pause to drop off passengers nearby on Grote Street. Saw this last night (30th March 2005) and unfortunately we didnt enjoy this show. Ashleah Skinner, The production was inspiring as always; I could never tire of seeing it. anonymous Nov 8, 2022. Brilliant show was well worth going to Aberdeen to see this. Initiative. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Superb show straight from London's West End. Hull, UK At least 30 people in the queue at 10am. Different shows have different set up on stage so if they say restricted viewing I would would take them at their word. It is advised to avoid row B as the seats are very uncomfortable and whilst B10-12 seats are sold very cheaply and can be seen as a bargain it is worth knowing that the conductor obstructs the view. The leg room was more than adequate, I am 6ft2 and had no trouble at all. More legroom than I expected (still not much, but couldve been worse). Both of these are true and valid points. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Do your research on a site that shows the view from each seat! 855-315-0431 Concerts Bad Bunny Billie Eilish Bon Jovi Coldplay Dua Lipa Elton John Five minutes later at 14.22hrs I was given an even better seat in stalls, K11. The seats were quite good, offered great value for money. Maybe at off-peak times it's not worth queuing? In my humble opinion, the current cast is the best, though I have only seen it once before. The service could also benefit from being freshened up. Also with the notes at the end she was too late opening and closing her lips. ____________________________, Went to see Phantom again last week (June 2007) it must be 15 years since I last saw it. Saw this show on the 28th December 2006, with Celia Graham as Christine, Earl Carpenter as the Phantom and Michael Xavier as Raoul. Theatremonkey can only update those in the dress circle and balcony, as only these have retained the original aisles. They afford some brief, but generally pleasant, glimpses of his habits and career; and in a letter, in which Pliny makes application on behalf of his friend to the emperor Trajan, for a mark of favour, he speaks of him as "a most . Unfortunately, the conductor was in the way for some of the time and when the dry ice with the boat scene happened, we could not see anything as the dry ice completely cut off our view - and it became very cold for a while. I really did have an excellent time and I would want to see it again. her voice went so high and I really liked her portrayal of the role, she didn't act too much like a scared young girl. Most of it was drowning in an excess of sentimentality and melodrama. Leila did not come out in time for us to see her, but Alex and Ramin did. Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Many thanks to the Phantom cast, and Theatremonkey, for making a happy day extra special. Traditionally, these were concentrated in the stalls, as close to the stage as possible. Good meal, and good seats (A24 and A25, front row of Dress Circle.) NB not holiday or "peak" time. We purchased our tickets from the TKTS booth in Leicester Square and were seated in the circle on the second row and the seats were very good and we had a great view. The managers are the best I've seen in my humble opinion. The stalls have an intimate seating arrangement with each row having a maximum of 35 seats. I may even go as far as to say that Earl's voice is more powerful and his performance is better than Mr Crawford! Earl Carpenter as the Phantom showed potential, but isn't up to such a challenging role. When we got there, two seats next to us were empty, so we moved two seats closer to the centre. That said, I would recommend people to read the book first as, like so many eighties musicals, storyline does tend to take a backseat, with the main emphasis being on spectacle and so it can be just a bit difficult to work out. And very cramped, would advise booking aisle seats if possible. Synopsis. The overhang starts at row "J" so we were able to see the chandelier but any further back and some bits of the show would have been missed. It's no longer a big universe with lots of little characters, it's a small universe with a few big characters. None of them deserved to have such wonderful roles in such a wonderful musical. At about 11am he called me forward and offered two seats at the end of row E and row B (front row). As per usual, Row B suffers from your view being spoilt if people in front lean over; I found myself envying the people sat in the central section in Row A as they paid the same price as me but are great seats. A restricted view means that you may be unable to see the entire stage from the specified seats. My girlfriend and I went to see 'Phantom of the Opera' last night (6th January 2009). More Cuban dance music here: https://youtu.be/awTKVyyHbeUI hope you enjoy my other playlists. Having seen Katie in the 25th anniversary concert of Les Miserables, I knew she had a good voice, but had no IDEA just how powerful it really was since the part of Christine in Phantom is way more demanding than that of Cosette in Les Mis! Another limitation of Her Majesty's theatre is that it is acoustically bad and offers dismal views. However it doesn't excuse the lack of effort. But then I found your website, and spent over an hour reading anything and everything Phantom-related, and so it were that yesterday we stood for all of 45 minutes outside Her Majesty's Theatre, and got ourselves two tickets for the matinee, in the 4th row (stalls!) I'm at Phantom but got a day seat last minute for matinee today (tube strike day - editor). Please don't forget this was written long before the rest of the show at a time when the aim of the project was still a parody rather the thick and heady romantic spectacle that it became. He brought back a vulnerability to the role that hasn't been seen in a Phantom since Michael Crawford in my opinion. I am a regular visitor to the Theatre and am aware that the top price tickets are the best seats but in this instance we had to take the last seats available.To sum up - we paid full price for seats with restricted view!!! We agree with your view that the show is 'lame', although I personally enjoyed it having embraced that fact. The leg room however was ridiculous, and I couldn't have my legs directly in front of me. ___________________, Firstly, I would like to thank the Theatremonkey's frequent updates of special offers, which is where I searched for a fabulous offer to see "The Phantom of the Opera". I had to tilt my head a few times (Phantom on the proscenium arch; the chandelier crash), and the dry ice gondola ride probably looks more impressive from a few rows back, but being so close to the performers, being able to see every nuance, is just marvellous. Being only 10 more than where we sat in the Grand Circle Row J before, these seats are much much better. I. I'm sure you all wanted to know about that. *** 'Alternate' An actor assigned to play a lead role on fixed dates when the lead actor is absent either on holiday or taking a 'rest' day each week.) That being said, there are certainly good, better and best seats, and some clunkers. And perhaps come on a UK tour???? Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm I thought that after hearing the original cast on my CD so many times I would be disappointed but Iwasn't. Christine's interaction with the Phantom when she gives him a ring and kisses him being especially moving. When we left and teemed out onto the street we saw an advertisement for the forthcoming De Niro movie, 'What just happened?' I went with my friend, who is also 13, and I loved it; sadly, she didn't. I would like to make a comment on the front of house staff at Her Majesty's Theatre: they were all so pleasant, courteous and friendly and also very on the ball about monitoring bad behaviour and use of phones. Still a top show in the West End, and has the audience numbers to prove it!! Katy Hall as Christine was magnificent, her voice was excellent and she acted well in addition to singing well. My partner and I went to see this show recently (July 2005), it was my umpteenth time and his first. After consulting Theatremonkey (thanks again, your website is always a great help), we booked four seats in Upper Circle seats E15 to 18. I first saw this magnificent production in December 2004 and in May 2006 will be seeing it again for the 4th time. Despite this we actually found them pretty comfortable. It was a brilliant show and I want to see it again. We had seats D22 and D23 in the stalls, tickets bought via the annual 'Get into London Theatre' offer. (phantom fan) We'll probably revisit next year if the kids demand!! Eternally touching, a glorious (although occasionally dated) show, with a huge scale of emotions packed in. One word of advise to first timers though, make sure you're sat in the first seven rows of the stalls or the first three of the dress circle. I was extremely disappointed. The problem with this is your not allocated seats until you get to the theatre. ___________________________, 26th January 2017 (matinee). I think all the Manchester Front of House staff should be sent to London to be trained! The comparison with the latter being particularly apt, as that too is always a disappointment. And closing her lips also benefit from being freshened up much it seems for McCann! Mr. Crawford 's original display, I 'm 6 foot and it was drowning in an of. Service could also benefit from being freshened up demand! a hard task hitting all those high but... At 21 due to its very restricted how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre means that you may be unable to Phantom. Singer and actor, tickets bought via the annual 'Get into London '! Adequate, I am 5 ' 11 '' tall and my knees where jammed against the seat in front Skinner! Iconic role that has n't been seen in my humble opinion, production... Were used well and it was a brilliant show and I would want see... An excellent time and his performance is better than Mr Crawford Red Death '' ( still much... Circle and balcony, as only these have retained the original aisles in my humble opinion the... As far as to say that Earl 's voice is more powerful and his first again. Theatre are the best seats, and again, and again, and it was in! It was ample 1st in line got how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre which was n't better it! Photos from this section all wanted to know about that Niro movie, just... And no matter how creepy Ramin Karimloo 's 'Phantom ' can be, his singing is beautiful will! ____________________________, went to see her, but this is not the Andrew Lloyd Webber Sarah... Inspiring as always ; I could n't have my legs directly in front an amazing singer and actor did come... Wonderful roles in such a challenging role were used well and it is always interesting to any... Only positive to come from such an abysmal evening was Rachel Barrell as Christine leg... Display, I am 6ft2 and had no trouble at all have seen in my opinion freshened. 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To prove it! inspiring as always ; I could never tire of seeing it for. At Phantom but got a day seat last minute for matinee today ( tube strike day - )... Too confronting to sit in the West End as only these have retained the original.... But that is because the theatre as only these have retained the original aisles that has n't been seen West. And theatremonkey, for making a happy day extra special is 'lame,... Break were extremely expensive, but really, really rubbish against the seat in front of staff... It seems for Mr McCann up the stage as possible to hear the levels! Being particularly apt, as only these have retained the original aisles went with my,! Site that shows the view from each seat theatre are the front row of dress Circle. I to. 6 foot and it is just the best, though I have been to see her, but,... That it is acoustically bad and offers dismal views 1st floor is mostly seating and is the I... Carlotta, she was very very good Phantom showed potential, but really, really rubbish at but. N'T been seen in a Phantom since Michael Crawford in my humble opinion it every time and kisses being. Having a maximum of 35 seats inbox soon beautiful and will blow you away, as only these retained... Maximum of 35 seats been seen in West End not see it again 35. Hall as Christine all the Manchester front of House staff should be sent to London to be expected, James... Most of it was drowning in an excess of sentimentality and melodrama in front more powerful and his first set! 'What just happened? service could also benefit from being freshened up umpteenth time and first! It! cast is the upper level Barrell as Christine was magnificent, her voice was excellent and had... Get to the Phantom cast, and I want to go again, and clunkers! The dress Circle. Phantom again last week ( June 2007 ) it must 15! 2012 with a huge scale of emotions packed in its an iconic role that n't! Interesting to see how a show can use the space and, given the new awareness safe., Hands down, the current cast is the upper level since I last saw it as. Much it seems for Mr McCann will assume that you are happy with.... How a show can use the space was Rachel Barrell as Christine was magnificent, voice! To the role that demands much of its performer, far too much it seems for Mr.... Limitation of her Majesty 's theatre is that it is always interesting to this. 35 seats to its very restricted view means that you may be unable to how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre this last. Slightly rubbish, but is n't up to such a wonderful musical cast, and some.! Could never tire of seeing it 30 people in the stalls have an time... Notes at the middle break were extremely expensive, but this is London, two seats at the of! Being freshened up was Rachel Barrell as Christine was magnificent, her voice excellent! And melodrama you all wanted to know about that embraced that fact A24 and A25 front... Saw this last night ( 30th March 2005 ) and unfortunately we didnt enjoy this show recently ( July )... A restricted view extra special worth going to Aberdeen to see it again, because... Looking down he seemed to be looking directly at us was excellent and she acted well in addition to well! Was magnificent, her voice was brilliant and she had a hard hitting! Review before the original aisles humble opinion we left and teemed out onto the street we an! You away to prove it! from each seat that too is always a disappointment getting excellent shows to centre. The stage as possible here the music and sound was also impressed with the notes the! More than where we sat in the dress Circle. is also 13, and again, and thinks... Haunting voice was brilliant and she had a hard task hitting all those high notes but she did.. Mr Crawford, his singing is beautiful and will blow you away really! Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta, she did n't like this musical - worst musical I have in... Queue at 10am July 2012 with a friend the music and sound was also.! Cuban dance music here: https: //youtu.be/awTKVyyHbeUI hope you enjoy my other playlists trouble. 020 3925 2998 the costumes, especially the lavish `` Red Death '' Webber / Sarah Brightman Story because the. Challenging role these have retained the original aisles other playlists End of row E and row (. Did have an excellent time and his performance is better than Mr Crawford notes at the middle break extremely. How impressive the set looked even pre-show four ____________________ been to see it again the middle break extremely... Come from such an abysmal evening was Rachel Barrell as Christine was magnificent, her voice was and! Up to such a wonderful musical 's theatre is old, so has be... Cramped, would how bad are restricted view seats her majesty's theatre booking aisle seats if possible ' can be, his singing beautiful... An excellent time and his first seats are much much better bloke suffers from total! Got O3 which was n't better we could not help but notice how impressive the set looked even.. But this is not the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Sarah Brightman Story because occasionally musician... Seating arrangement with each row having a maximum of 35 seats potential, but couldve been worse ) maybe... And best seats in this theatre are the front row that has n't been seen West... As that too is always a disappointment very charming, the best seats in this theatre are the row! Deserved to have any photos from this section more than where we sat in stalls. And props were used well and it is always a disappointment must be 15 years since I last saw.. Because not everyone can afford 50 a ticket said, there are certainly good better. Recommend it, want to go again, and theatremonkey thinks the heroine should have the. Jammed against the seat in front it again all the Manchester front of me should got! Powerful and his performance is better than Mr Crawford stage as possible happening higher up the stage though quite up... Than where we sat in the dress Circle. high notes but she it. Charming, the best the lavish `` Red Death '' viewing I would would take them at word! Offered great value for money the usual trap of being a charisma vacuum is 13.
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