Spotlight on 'The Phantom of the Opera' with Dean Chisnall
As part of a series celebrating some of the West End's longest-running shows, we speak to Dean Chisnall who plays The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical The Phantom of the Opera.
Narrowly pipped to first place by Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera is the second longest-running musical in the West End, having opened its doors to audiences on 9 October 1986.
Based on Gaston Leroux's book, Andrew Lloyd Webber's romantic musical follows young soprano Christine Daaé, who is mentored by a musical genius known as the Phantom, who lives beneath the Paris Opera House.
The Phantom has been played by several well-known musical faces over the years, including Michael Crawford, Ramin Karimloo, Jon Robyns, and John-Owen Jones (the latter two currently playing alongside each other in summer musical The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum). But it is Dean Chisnall, who has starred as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables among many other roles, who currently plays The Phantom. He tells LondonTheatre.co.uk why he is so bewitched by the music of the night.
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Why do you think this show has lasted for so long in the West End?
Because it is magnificent! It’s lavish, it’s spectacular, it’s a total masterpiece. The music, the set, the costumes, the wigs – I could go on. Not many shows can stand the test of time like this one. Generations of families all come together to spend an evening at His Majesty’s Theatre, and that’s magical!
What is the best audience reaction you have seen to the show?
Without wishing to sound predictable, every night is pretty special. The audience stand as one every night, and I don’t take a moment of it for granted. We’re very lucky.
What is your favourite moment in the show?
This changes almost daily. I’ve always loved "Masquerade" from an audience point of view. The wall of sound, the set, the colour, the voices. But to perform, I think I’d have to choose "The Final Lair". You get to let rip and leave it all on the stage each night. I’m so lucky!
What is a little-known secret about performing in this show?
A little-known fact is that some of the original props from the very first performance are still used to this day in the show. Also, in my dressing room there are still things that are in place from when Michael Crawford was resident in The Phantom dressing room.
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
A guarantee is that audiences will take away a memory. The world spends so much time looking at a screen, so I urge audiences to come here and see the show with their own eyes and be part of a unique, spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience. This show may have been around for nearly 39 years, but it’s never been the same twice.
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Photo credit: Dean Chisnall in The Phantom of the Opera. (Photo by Johan Persson)
Frequently asked questions
What is The Phantom of the Opera about?
Come and hear the music of the night. One of the longest-running musicals in West End history, this Andrew Lloyd Webber piece is a global hit for a reason. Telling the tragic and romantic take of opera singer Christine and the mysterious man who haunts her, you’ll experience classic songs like "Music of the Night" and "The Phantom of the Opera" in their original staging. Get The Phantom of the Opera tickets at His Majesty’s Theatre today.
How long is The Phantom of the Opera?
The running time of The Phantom of the Opera is 2hr 30min. Incl. 20min interval.
Where is The Phantom of the Opera playing?
The Phantom of the Opera is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre. The theatre is located at 57 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4QL.
What's the age requirement for The Phantom of the Opera?
The recommended age for The Phantom of the Opera is Ages 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 has to be accompanied by an adult (18+). Under 4s will not be admitted..
How do you book tickets for The Phantom of the Opera?
Book tickets for The Phantom of the Opera on London Theatre.
What are the songs in The Phantom of the Opera?
Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s famous score includes well-known songs “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” and “Think of Me.” Read our complete song guide to The Phantom of the Opera.
Who wrote The Phantom of the Opera?
The Phantom of the Opera stage musical was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, with lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. The show is adapted from Gaston Leroux's novel of the same name.
Who directed The Phantom of the Opera?
Harold Prince directed the stage musical The Phantom of the Opera. In 1988, he won the Tony Award for Best Direction for his work on the production.
When did The Phantom of the Opera open in the West End?
The Phantom of the Opera opened in the West End on 9 October 1986 at His Majesty’s Theatre.
Is The Phantom of the Opera appropriate for kids?
The Phantom of the Opera is recommended for people over eight years old. Under 16-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.
Is The Phantom of the Opera good?
As the second-longest-running musical in the West End, The Phantom of the Opera continues to delight audiences. Read our four-star review of The Phantom of the Opera.
How long has The Phantom of the Opera been running in the West End?
The Phantom of the Opera opened in 1987 and is the second-longest-running musical in the West End. It has currently been running for over 35 years.
Is The Phantom of the Opera based on a true story?
While the musical is based on the fictional novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, parts of the story were inspired by actual events and rumours of ghostly sightings at a Paris opera house. The characters and plot are works of fiction.
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