Chris Our biggest mistake with this show was not to note the seat numbers to avoid. My only word of caution would be take a light jacket, the air conditioning is too good!!. When I arrived home to look at the cast list I thought Rachel Barrell was an understudy for the understudy. This was the first time either of us had seen this. I appreciate it is an operatic production, but when all the characters sang different lines at the same time it just came across as a cacophony of noise. Some may find his higher-pitched singing rather light, as he is closer to Michael Crawford than his predecessor John Owen-Jones. _____________________, I went to see 'The Phantom of the Opera' on the 10th April 2009 with a friend and we were sat in the stalls row F19 and 20. I had no idea such incredible music could be ruined so easily. 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!) And, given the new awareness of safe spaces, its generally not too confronting to sit in the front row. The show started on time and approximately 5 minutes later, approximately 25 latecomers arrived separately in small groups and were seated in with ushers along the Grand Circle. On the stage right in front of me was a wooden block which may have contained lighting. The fog during the boat scene didn't seem as bad as some other people have said, so not sure if they've toned it down. Didn't like this musical - worst musical I have seen in West End. Still, it was a relief to hear a non-American accent (both Patric Wilson and Emi Rosum needed voice coaching). Different shows have different set up on stage so if they say restricted viewing I would would take them at their word. Now that it has, somehow, run for so long, it's going to run, and run, and run, isn't it? Hands down, the best seats in this theatre are the front rows of the dress circle. The Phantom's deformity can be clearly seen, and you see the performers' expressions. Great view of the stage and all the action but no enough leg room! I've seen it numerous times and I particularly wanted to see it this time as John Owen Jones is ending his reign at the end of January 2016. Plenty of leg room, being in the walkway. Please remember that the musical was the original and the movie came after, the movie was slightly different from the show (the show being better). Truly stole the show at times. I could see all the stage perfectly clearly without leaning forward at all (and I'm only average height - 5ft8"). He made me cry at the end, he was just so incredible - especially when imitating the music box and when Christine gave the ring back. I was so far away from the stage that I felt like I couldn't be further away from the action. So, THANK YOU! Wishing You Were Here Again is a great favourite of mine. I have bought the CD that they sell at the merchandise window and I have to say I prefer the current Phantom (Ben Forster), who sounds rawer and more pained, and Monsieur Andre (Mark Oxtoby) who sounds funnier. During the fog scene I could see the Phantom and Christine in the boat (squinting, admittedly, but you could see them). Went to see The Jersey Boys on Wednesday 8th Feb at His Majesty's Aberdeen. Recommended experiences in and around Aberdeen. There was plenty of legroom and the view was very good. My praise is reserved for McCanns masterpiece performance, combining a slight subtle stature with an explosive, concentrated, resonant Phantom. I feel ripped off and will never touch this company again. The only "problem" is that you're so close that you have to decide where to look when a lot is happening at once as you can't see everything at the same time. 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. Having read a previous reviewer mention the rather cool air-conditioning I came equipped with a warm cardigan - I should have left it at home, I was so warm and didn't feel any kind of cool air in the theatre at all - I left the theatre rather red-faced with the heat. . Fantastic all the way We agree with your view that the show is 'lame', although I personally enjoyed it having embraced that fact. Fantastic show! This is a show well worth seeing, for boyfriends, girlfriends, no friends or even just for an ordinary theatre night out. Phantom and Christine were unconvincing and overworked, while Raoul fell into the usual trap of being a charisma vacuum. I was also impressed with the leg room, I'm 6 foot and it was ample. The Johnson Family That said though, the songs that we all know (and love?) You all make Phantom sound dreadful, so any one just put off by what these other people have written - ignore them ! So, without further ado, we give them to you. _______________________________________________. Ways to Experience Her Majesty's Theatre London, Sacred & Religious Sites, Churches & Cathedrals. Fiona in Florence. 13 February - 2 March 2023. What a spectacle! I think it is criminal for the seats in the back row of the Royal Circle to be advertised and sold in the same price plan as seats with a far better viewing angle either elsewhere in the RC or in the stalls. Seat review: Grand Circle. JackieMc His voice is superb and he really made the show. Not only this but the heat in our seats was intolerable. The New Wimbledon Theatre has a capacity of 1609 seats, including 720 seats in the Stalls, 473 seats in the Dress Circle and 416 seats in the Upper Circle. If you like the theatre, a must see, regardless of the opinions and stereotypes! Christian Ball, We were allocated seats in the Grand Circle; K22 and 23. When the actors sang on stage is sometimes was hard to hear, and when the actors sang off stage or a recording was playing it was much louder, so they either make the sound louder when the onstage or quieter when they are off. I would recommend row D and above. the cast were magnificent. I felt the seat was more comfortable as well, maybe as a result of me not having to crane my neck from side to side and upwards. 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 absolutely loved it. John Owen-Jones was playing the Phantom and I was so impressed by his range, acting and general musicality. And no matter how creepy Ramin Karimloo's 'Phantom' can be, his singing is beautiful and will blow you away. Not only was this happening but I was leaning to the right (luckily it was towards my friend in seat G1) which made my right leg dangle lower than my left one!! Yes view is restricted. Very nice people! For those who expect a traditional musical, do not go here. Given a big enough budget, landing helicopters, flying cars or video screens do not prove a challenge to the set designer, whereas "Phantom's" "coups de theatre" are achieved almost entirely with VICTORIAN stage workings. As I mentioned this is not my kind of thing, but this is a MUST see for anyone, even if they think it is not 'up their street'. Monkey, Grrrrr. P.S. All the views expressed in our published seat reviews are those of independent theatregoers and don't necessarily represent those of whichseats.com, producers or theatre owners. On the downside, the set and staging is clever, but not used efficiently. __________________________________. Port Talbot I find it hard to see the discerning person finding much appeal in Phantom of the Opera. He couldnt have been more out of his depth if the boat had capsized in Act 1! The melodrama is what makes the story so interesting. Rachel Barrell was also excellent as Christine. __________________________________. We loved it so much we went back a week later with my parents, this time sitting in the Upper Circle in seats D 12,13,14,15, very good seats, with a better view than the more expensive seats we had first time round, again a wonderful performance, my only complaint is that the volume could be louder. 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. My view was very good. >Then we move on to Oliver Thornton, well, what positive thing can I say? Not just slightly rubbish, but really, really rubbish. _______________________. I would definitely recommend 'Phantom' to anyone. The tickets were 40 each, reduced from 55 each as part of a Christmas offer; I would have happily paid full price given the quality of the seats and of the show. As for his voice, I don't see how some can say it's weak. Unfortunately, the audience seemed as badly behaved as ever at this show - one woman sat behind me was munching crisps during the first act, whilst a man sat behind me was translating the show for his friend. 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. Theatres use "dynamic pricing." Christine was one of the only redeeming qualities. Cannot see the top level of the stage and the top level of the set. Even when I've heard Ramin when he's sick he still manages to produce a heart felt Phantom. Opera is an extremely symbolised art form and Phantom manages to capture it's darkness and romanticism beautifully. But towards the end of Act 1, in the 'All I Ask Of You' reprise he seemed to lose his way. I would never, never have booked this seat had I known there was a pylon directly in front of it. The show itself still does hold up well as a spectacle - the chandelier, the mirror, the boat, masquerade sequence all still make you go wow and make the many tourists gasp! Earl Carpenter as the Phantom showed potential, but isn't up to such a challenging role. Cashier said sometimes very good seats can be available at the last minute for 25. BEWARE These seats have restricted viewing (although not sold as such ) the floor of the balcony cuts off the top of the stage. On the aisle but only 4 rows back. I was totally "involved" whilst watching this one, feeling exhilarated and frightened, then sentimental and even a little tearful at the end!! Also with the notes at the end she was too late opening and closing her lips. I saw Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre around New Year's and it was amazing. The audience consisted of mainly tourists from SE Asia and I did wonder how on earth they could understand the performance, not easy when it is all sung, but the Korean girl sitting next to explained that she had already watched the film in Korea, so knew the story. Sound mix was often dreadful however. None put in a noticeable or commendable performance and didn't help to arouse any emotions within the audience for how we should feel towards any character. The only way I would go and see Phantom again is if I sat in the Stalls, but I'm not prepared to pay 50 for a show I didn't rate that highly. Port Talbot, South Wales The other principles were also very good. Myself and three of my friends booked tickets to see Phantom for the 5th of January 2010, and should have taken the adverse weather as the first sign that we should have stayed at home. ___________________, I went to see this a few weeks ago with a very open mind as I normally prefer something light and breezy and didn't think I was going to enjoy it-but I did!! Phantom of The Opera is like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. Slightly perplexed, I informed her of the conversation had the day previously with a See box office member of staff, she hinted that this keeps happening and See continually give out wrong information, and that I should make a formal complaint to them about what had happened. !! Whilst I thought the cast was good, no-one really blew me away. That's it really, one last thing - Scott Davies received a standing ovation when he came on to take his bow - this was the only standing ovation I've ever witnessed for this show, I think it was mainly for his own performance as opposed to the show as a whole. Day Seats: 13th September 2018. To return to the See Tickets 'incorrect information issue', I emailed them the next day outlining the problem I had encountered. Booked these seats having reviewed them on this website beforehand and would like to add my recommendation as I was very happy. So it is no surprise to me he has gone from strength to strength in his career, and the role of Phantom is surely one of the most demanding on any singer. Act 1 seats in this theatre are the front row to note seat... Last minute for 25 my praise is reserved for McCanns masterpiece performance, a... And Emi Rosum needed voice coaching ) the Opera is like Marmite, you either love it you... 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