40 years on, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best musical continues to haunt theatres with its spellbinding soundtrack and standout performances.

After a six-year wait, The Phantom of the Opera is finally back in Singapore, and it proves that, even at 40 years old, this iconic musical continues to captivate new audiences. For many who have only ever heard of its greatness or watched videos on YouTube, this is their chance to experience the magic firsthand. There is no debate, The Phantom of the Opera ranks among Andrew Lloyd Webber’s finest works, thanks to its unforgettable soundtrack, complex lead roles, and an attention to detail in set design that creates a visual and emotional feast.

Based on Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, the musical follows the mysterious, disfigured Phantom who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. He becomes obsessed with the young soprano Christine Daaé, manipulating her career and drawing her into his dark, tragic world. As Christine rises to stardom, she finds herself caught in a painful choice between her affection for the Phantom and her love for the noble Raoul.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Phantom of the Opera is its ability to feel both of its time and ahead of it, as a gothic tale of music, obsession, love, and loss that remains as gripping today as when it first premiered. The grandeur of the production, with its sweeping, lavish storyline and an era steeped in musical history, speaks to the musicals of its period. Yet, it also remains strikingly timeless as a period piece, allowing it to transcend generations. The musical was bold for its time in terms of its theatrical innovation, often breaking the fourth wall and employing revolutionary stage techniques such as trapdoors, shock reveals, and the stunning chandelier crash, a visual spectacle that has been iconic in the musical theatre world ever since.

The set design is nothing short of breathtaking. The stage is framed by ornate black and gold, transporting audiences to a world of elegance and mystery, perfectly fitting the gothic tones of the story, while massive set pieces such as elephants, gold statues, and the massive portcullis for the Phantom’s lair, all these add to the sense of awe and grandeur. The stage’s fluidity is remarkable too – the smooth fall of the curtains, the seamless transitions between Christine’s performance and suddenly perspective to seeing her backstage, everything feels designed to keep you immersed in the story. It feels as if we’ve been transported straight into the Paris Opera House itself, away from our contemporary times, completely enraptured by the stagework that goes into the production, while surrounded by the larger-than-life orchestration, mesmerised by the chain of events before us, believing every moment.

It’s easy to forget that The Phantom of the Opera is as technically demanding as it is theatrically powerful. The musical employs a range of stunning stage trickery, from trapdoors to forced perspectives, the illusion of water, and cleverly timed lighting effects. Not to mention the massive set pieces and costumes that bring each scene to life with breathtaking detail, evoking the grandeur of a Renaissance painting. One standout moment is the lavish “Masquerade” number, where the ensemble truly shines. As they descend the grand staircase in their vibrant, ornate costumes, the stage becomes a living painting, so rich in colour and movement that it looks like something out of a dream. Their vocals swell in glorious harmony, and the sheer spectacle of it all is enough to take your breath away.

The cast is truly exceptional, and Ben Forster, as the Phantom, is a standout. His portrayal is dark and brooding, the character’s terrifying, tortured soul captured in his menacing presence. But what really sets Forster’s Phantom apart is the subtle humanity he infuses into the role. In moments of vulnerability, he reveals glimpses of the man behind the mask, making the character more complex and tragic. His performance in “The Music of the Night”, “All I Ask” and “The Phantom of the Opera” is spine-chillingly beautiful, showcasing his incredible vocal range and emotional depth, contrasting his cries of agony when it feels like he’s genuinely about to lose everything he’s loved.

Opposite him, Grace Roberts delivers a stunning performance as Christine. The role of Christine is, in many ways, an even greater challenge than the Phantom’s, demanding a powerful lyric soprano voice with a remarkable ability to convey both innocence and a dark attraction. Roberts nails every note and brings a depth to Christine, with her portrayal of Christine as a woman caught between her love for the Phantom and her future with Raoul feeling tangible, emotional, and real. Her performance in “Think of Me” is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant.

Under the direction of Rainer Fried, the production has achieved something remarkable. Fried brings out the inherent darkness of the story, imbuing the production with the gothic sensibility that makes the entire experience haunting and thrilling. At its core, The Phantom of the Opera captures the timeless struggle between making a life choice, whether between lovers, or between the past and the future, and Fried’s direction makes this dynamic even more poignant. The opera house itself becomes a metaphor for this conflict, as an institution clinging to the past while being swept by the winds of change.

The musical’s ability to balance its grandeur with moments of subtle emotional depth is what elevates it to the highest echelon of theatre. You feel for Christine’s struggle between love and ambition, for the Phantom’s tragic obsession, and even for the ensemble, whose characters bring the world of the opera house to life in a way that is both dramatic and compelling. With well-placed humorous moments, heartfelt performances, and a soundtrack that continues to astonish, The Phantom of the Opera remains a masterpiece of emotional depth, vocal prowess, and pure theatrical magic.

The Phantom of the Opera is an unforgettable theatrical experience that continues to resonate deeply with audiences. It is a show that not only delights with its spectacle but moves you with its raw emotional depth. Even after 40 years, it remains a must-see, time and time again, a crowning achievement in musical theatre, with this new production a testament to its enduring power.

Photo Credit: Base Entertainment Asia

The Phantom of the Opera plays from 9th May 2025 at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Tickets available here