Tim Howar interview: 'Sometimes persistence and dedication far outweigh talent and ability'
After a short break from the musical to tour with his band Mike and the Mechanics, Tim Howar recently returned to Her Majesty's Theatre in the West End to lead the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera.
As he settles back into his West End dressing room, we caught up with Howar to ask him a few questions about the role, the differences between performing with a rock band and in a musical, and if there were any venues on his bucket list he'd like to tick off.
The Phantom of the Opera is currently booking at Her Majesty's Theatre until April 2020.
The Phantom of the Opera tickets are available now.
How does it feel to return to an iconic West End role?
It feels wonderful as I love my cast and crew and the show itself is a dream come true for me.
If you could perform any song in The Phantom of the Opera which isn't sung by your character, what would it be and why?
"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again": "Help me say goodbye" is a heart-breaking lyric and has such a beautiful melody and wonderful orchestration.
Why do you think The Phantom of the Opera continues to resonate with audiences today?
It continues to be relevant because it is a timely love story with soaring melodies and excellent, exciting staging and unmatched beauty. The characters are relatable and real, and the drama is magical and heartfelt.
Do you have any backstage rituals before going on stage?
I drink a lot of water early in the day and warm up mentally and physically and get eight hours sleep a night (hopefully... as I have an awesome one-year-old son... ha!).
The Paris Opera House is a grand location - if there was one place/venue you could perform at that you have yet to, where would it be and why?
Anywhere with an excited and expecting audience and I'm on... I've ticked a lot off my dream theatres to play so I like to leave it up to where the winds will take me next and not worry about anything other than creating the best show in the moment night after nigh! But Her Majesty's Theatre is a huge honour to play!
The Phantom of the Opera began in the West End in 1986. Where were you in 1986 and what future words of wisdom would you give to your past self?
I was in grade 11 in Edmonton Alberta at Ross Sheppard Composite High School in Canada. The words of wisdom that I would give myself are: "Keep going no matter what and keep learning and making mistakes, they are the foundation for getting it right in the end." Sometimes persistence and dedication far outweigh talent and ability. Although I would say I wouldn't have got as far as I have without learning how to use my talents to the best of my abilities. I still am and will never stop learning about stagecraft and storytelling. I love it.
Do you feel a difference when performing in Mike and the Mechanics and performing in a musical?
Yes, but in a way the task is the same: tell a good story from your heart and put on a great show in the moment. I don't like "honing it in" ever on stage and my goal every night is to put all I have into the show whether it's in Mike and the Mechanics or Phantom. I love to come home to Phantom though and am so lucky I get to play this iconic role and tell this mesmerising story night after night here in London! Cheers and thanks to all the company and fans.
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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