From Wallington to the West End!

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The story opens with a tense auction scene before travelling back to the 1880s and the Paris Opera House, where a mysterious presence haunts the company. Christine Daaé, a young chorus girl, has been trained by an unseen tutor who is secretly the Phantom. When her childhood friend Raoul declares his love for her, the Phantom’s jealousy drives him to sabotage performances, stalk the theatre’s rafters and crash a masquerade ball. In the final confrontation, he takes Christine to his underground lair, and Raoul must race to save her.

The musical is based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, and was adapted for the stage by Andrew Lloyd Webber, premiering in the West End in 1986.

The production was spectacular. As the lights dimmed, the famous organ theme filled the auditorium and the great chandelier rose into the ceiling, which was a thrilling start. Later, the staging transformed the theatre into the foggy catacombs beneath the opera house, with a boat gliding across an underground lake lit by hundreds of rising candles. The illusions and special effects were seamless throughout.

The performances were just as impressive. Jordan Donica’s Phantom commanded the stage, and his rendition of 'The Music of the Night' was a particular highlight. Beatrice Penny-Touré was equally strong as Christine, and the title song and their duets were beautifully sung and staged.

By the final curtain, the whole group was full of enthusiasm, and on the journey back to South London we agreed that it had been a superb evening. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys music, drama and stagecraft.

Review written by Yash (Year 8)

Wilson's is proud of its very active drama programme, both in-school student-led productions and in exposing students to a range of cultural opportunities on our doorstep in London. Later this year student's will have the opportunity to attend showings of Into The Wood, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.