At the time of the interview Anna O'Byrne was performing as Christine Daaé (at certain performances) in The Phantom of The Opera, having made her West End debut at Her Majesty's Theatre. She originated the role of Christine in the Australian production of Love Never Dies, and also covered and performed Christine in the Australasian tour of The Phantom of The Opera. Earlier this week Anna answered some questions about herself, her career and her role in The Phantom of The Opera. Did anyone … [Read more...]
Her Majesty's Theatre London Tickets - The Phantom of The Opera News & Reviews
The multi-award winning The Phantom of The Opera musical continues to captivate audiences at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End, after more than 10,000 performances (celebrated its 10,000th performance on 23 October 2010).
Andrew Lloyd Webber's mesmerising score along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night.
Evenings: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees: Thursday and Saturday 2.30pm
Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Age Restrictions: Recommended for ages 10 and over. Under 5s will not be admitted. Parental guidance advised.
Show Opened: 27th September 1986
Important Info: The sides of the Grand Circle are side view restricted. The rear of the Stalls and Royal Circle are restricted by the overhang.
Her Majesty’s Theatre London
57 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL
Venue and Travel Information
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
Tube Lines: Bakerloo, Piccadilly
Directions from nearest tube: Go along Coventry Street and then take Haymarket on the right where the theatre will be approximately 200 metres.
Railway Station: Charing Cross
Bus Numbers: (Haymarket) 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 19, 23, 38, 53, 88, 139, 159
Night Bus Numbers: (Haymarket) 6, 12, 23, 88, 139, 453, N8, N19, N38, N97, N3, N13, N15, N136, N159
Car Park: Leicester Square, Whitcomb Street
Within Congestion Zone: Yes
Venue Facilities: Air conditioned, Bar, Disabled toilets, Infrared hearing loop, Toilets and Wheelchair accessible
Her Majesty’s Theatre London
The current Her Majesty’s Theatre is actually the 4th theatre to occupy this site. The first was called The Queen’s Theatre, being built by Sir John Vanbrugh and opened on 9th April 1705.
The theatre was re-named to The Kings Theatre in 1714 when King George I ascended the throne. The theatre was generally associated with opera, until 1789 when the theatre was destroyed by fire. The 2nd theatre was by designed by Michael Novosielski and opened in March 1791. This theatre was once more associated with opera, as well as ballet. It was here that some of Mozart’s opera were first presented in London.
In 1837 the name of the theatre was changed to Her Majesty’s Theatre Italian Opera House at the time Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. The Italian Opera House segment of the name was dropped in 1847. In December 1867 the theatre was again destroyed by fire.
The theatre was reconstructed in 1869, and this time designed by Charles Lee. In 1892 the theatre was demolished leaving only the Royal Opera Arcade. The current, and 4th theatre on this site was designed by C J Phipps and opened on 28th April 1897. Now it was plays that were mostly performed, with the occasional opera. In 1916 Chu Chin Chow began a record-breaking run of 2,238 performances.
In 1929 Bitter Sweet by Noel Coward was produced and enjoyed a run of 697 performances. Following the Second World War the theatre generally presented musicals, which included Brigadoon in 1949, Paint Your Wagon in 1953, West Side Story in 1958 and the classic Fiddler On The Roof in 1967 which had a run of 2,030 performances. The current production of Phantom of the Opera, opened on 9th October 1986.
Interview with Marcus Lovett: The Phantom of The Opera
At the time of the interview, Marcus Lovett was performing as the Phantom in The Phantom of The Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre London, having previously performed the role on Broadway. His theatre credits include the original Broadway production of Les Miserables, and also on Broadway and the West End: King David (title role), Phantom of the Opera (title role), Whistle Down the Wind (The Man), Carousel (Billy Bigelow), and Aspects of Love (Alex Dillingham). Marcus is on the cast albums for … [Read more...]
Interview with John Owen-Jones The Phantom of The Opera UK Tour
John Owen-Jones is currently starring in Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of The Phantom of The Opera which is playing at the Theatre Royal Plymouth ahead of a national tour. In the first of our brief interviews with cast that are on tour, John answered a few questions that I put to him. I hope you enjoy what he had to say. You have recently commenced a national tour of a new production of The Phantom of Opera, opening in Plymouth. How does this musical differ from the … [Read more...]
Interview with Killian Donnelly: Raoul in The Phantom of The Opera
At the time of the interview Killian was starring as Raoul in The Phantom of The Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Inspired by his parents Killian started singing in the choir while at school. His first stage performance was in Oliver of which he says: “Fagin aged 10 was my stage debut in Kilmessan Hall. Held 50 people (60 if 10 stood at the back) and WE had to put out the chairs.” Killian achieved considerable success on the stage in Ireland before he headed to London where he made his West … [Read more...]
Interview with Simon Shorten: The Phantom of The Opera
At the time of the interview Simon was appearing in The Phantom of The Opera, about which he says “Phantom is rapidly becoming my favourite show, I’m loving every single minute!“ His early stage appearances began at the Debut School of Performing Arts, and during that time he joined local amateur dramatic groups, where he performed several roles including: Billy in Billy the musical, Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Freddy Einsford-Hill in My Fair Lady, and the Ringmaster in Barnum. Simon’s … [Read more...]
Interview with Sofia Escobar: Christine Daae in The Phantom of The Opera
At the time of the interview, Sofia Escobar was appearing as Christine Daae in the classic musical, The Phantom of The Opera, at Her Majesty’s Theatre. Born in Portugal, and having made her stage debut there, Sofia has performed and toured extensively in Portugal and Brazil. Since arriving in the UK Sofia has studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and subsequently starred as Maria in West Side Story and is now enthralling audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre. She has also … [Read more...]
Interview with Tabitha Webb: Christine in The Phantom of The Opera
At the time of the interview Tabitha was performing as Alternate Christine in The Phantom of The Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London. Her professional career began at the age of 16 after she won the prestigious BBC Choirgirl of The Year competition, which led to numerous television and radio performances, recordings and concerts around the UK and Europe, including her own one-hour radio special for BBC Radio 2. Other major performances for Tabitha have included appearing in Tim Rice’s … [Read more...]