Make a day out of 'The Phantom of the Opera' in London

Enjoy a romantic and artistic day out inspired by "The Music of the Night", visiting the Royal Opera House, Tate Britain, and Maison Bertaux.

“In sleep he sang to me, in dreams he came…” The most romantic show in the West End since 1986, The Phantom of the Opera continues to captivate with its lush Andrew Lloyd Webber score and unforgettable designs by the late Maria Björnson. Telling the story of young opera singer Christine, torn between the mysterious “Angel of Music” (the titular Phantom) and her aristocratic suitor Raoul, it’s a real feast of Victoriana at its most glamorous and gothic.

London is filled with beautiful and strange attractions from the nineteenth century, which happens to be one of the most exciting eras of history. Read on for our guide to make your visit to this classic show all the more haunting and enchanting.

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Behind the Scenes Tour at the Royal Opera House

The Phantom of the Opera is set in the Paris Opera House and London’s equivalent is the beautiful and historic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Home to the Royal Ballet and Opera, the venue stages a wide range of lavish and inventive productions year-round, and the building, which melds together the old and new, itself is a true masterpiece.

You can take a behind-the-scenes tour, where you can see the rehearsal studios, costumes, and production workshops, which offer an up-close view of how these extraordinary productions come together. Hopefully there's a Madame Giry figure maintaining discipline! End your visit with drinks on the Piazza Terrace – and think of Christine and Raoul when they sing “All I Ask of You” on the rooftops of the opera house.

Address: Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD

Price: ££

Tate Britain

One of London’s best-loved galleries, Tate Britain (built on the site of the former Millbank Prison) opened in 1897 to showcase British art from 1500 to the present day. The Tate holds a particularly extensive collection of the work of JMW Turner, and the artists longlisted for the prestigious Turner Prize that’s named in his honour are showcased at the gallery each year.

The Tate is also famous for its collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. This is enduringly popular and spawned countless imitators. Andrew Lloyd Webber is a great fan of their work and you can see many such paintings of wistful maidens in medieval-inspired settings with hair like Christine’s. Two perennial favourites are John Everett Millais’s drowned Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s doomed The Lady of Shalott in her boat.

Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG

Price: Free

Leighton House Museum

Located in the smart neighbourhood of Holland Park, Leighton House Museum was previously the home and studio of celebrated Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. It’s a true temple of beauty, particularly the centrepiece, the Islamic-inspired “Arab Hall” with its intricate golden dome and vivid turquoise tiles. There’s a permanent collection of Leighton’s work on display as well as a changing exhibition programme.

Leighton House Museum hosts frequent musical evenings and would be the perfect place for Christine to perform an intimate recital. It’s just round the corner from Holland Park itself, a most elegant spot for a stroll (be sure to say hello to the peacocks!).

Address: 12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ

Price: £

Highgate Cemetery

One of the most moving scenes in the show is when a conflicted Christine visits her father’s grave and sings the heart-breaking “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”. The “Magnificent Seven” garden cemeteries of Lpndon were developed in the 1830s and 1840s, of which Highgate Cemetery is probably the most famous. Wonderfully atmospheric with all its “passing bells and sculpted angels”, famous Egyptian-inspired features, and wild foliage, you can join a guided tour or wander at your own pace.

There are few things as gothic as the way in which Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood co-founder Dante Gabriel Rossetti buried his poems with his wife Elizabeth Siddal and, some years later, set out to retrieve them. His sister, the great Christina Rossetti is also buried in the Rossetti family tomb. It’s also the resting place of George Eliot, Lucian Freud, Karl Marx (with his famous bust), and many more. Opera is represented by Carl Rosa, the German-born impresario who founded the touring opera company of the same name.

Address: Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ

Price: £

Maison Bertaux

Thought to be the oldest French patisserie in London, founded in bohemian Soho in 1871 (about 10 years before Phantom is set), Maison Bertaux has been run by sisters Michele and Tania Wade since 1988. Satisfied customers at this charmingly ramshackle spot over the years have included Virginia Woolf and Alexander McQueen.

Portions are generous and there’s no shortage of cream (the cream slices and chocolate eclairs are positively mouth-watering). Prima donna Carlotta, tired of soulless five-star luxury, would love it here!

Address: 28 Greek Street, London W1D 5DQ

Price: ££

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Moulin Rouge! is another rapturously romantic musical set in the City of Light. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie musical, the stage version is just of a feast for all the senses. The love story between aspiring writer Christian and doomed courtesan Satine positively sizzles (and will leave you in floods of tears) and the sets, costumes, and choreography make for a truly eye-popping extravaganza.

The pop-fuelled score includes hits from Elton John, Nat King Cole, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and more. A true whirlwind of a show that will leave your senses and emotions all in a spin.

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The Phantom of the Opera

Please be seated, the most famous chandelier in London is about to rise. “Perhaps we may frighten away the ghost of so many years ago with a little illumination, gentlemen?” Be swept away by this fantastically romantic and gothic story that has enthralled audiences for close to 40 years.

The sumptuous score includes “Think of Me”, “All I Ask of You”, “Masquerade”, and more, accompanied by some of the most iconic visuals in theatre. Leave the real world behind at the door and “surrender to the music of the night”.

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