Twas a particularly stressful November this year, with 2 projects on the go, a dissertation to sort out, and a sister to teach in karate. After a very disturbing episode in the car park of my uni, my sister whispered to me that she wanted to see Phantom. Phantom, you say? It took me a huge millisecond to decide. Arrived 2 hours early at the box office, who SHOCKINGLY allowed us to get student tickets there on the spot - stalls, Row F in the centre! Collapsed on the polished floor, I did! Could have perhaps been that Asti and I dressed a tad smarter that evening, which just goes to show that looking like a student will get you nowhere! Blast, my evening dress hasn't been ironed and I need to fetch the newspapers! Ahem, oh and we took a walk along Regent Street, which had a window display for the upcoming Phantom film. Hilarious, those clothes models all in Phantom poses! Think my fave was the mirror one, my sister liked Masquerade.

Was happy to see the board inside the foyer displaying John Owen-Jones (as in his name, not him, though that would have been interesting too), as he's truly a great singer, and am always pleased to him him. Sat down in our wonderful seats, and as the Overture kicked in, a foolish couple, *naturally* along our row decided to push their way in along past us all. Why do some women (sadly not men) wear the most appalling, short skirts to the theatre? When there's a steep gradient like somewhere in the dress circle, and you turn round, you're sometimes 'granted' a view that can haunt you for a good many months. As I refused to stand up to allow these people past, I had her, politely put, ARSE shoved in my face. Goooooooooooooood grief, one of these days it'll be some gorgeous guy who does this to me. Dream on!

Never seen JOJ up close (and those awful binoculars do not count). Heheheh, he is such a bitchy Phantom in the end lair scene, doing these hand movements as if to say, "Whateverrrrrr, Christine!" Quite hypnotic watching his hands, always constantly moving. Wonder if he knows sign language...? As I'll forever gush on, JOJ is the most amazing singer, and I never sit there cringing as he reaches up for those high notes. I'm sure he could sing them in his sleep, perhaps waking up in the night to shriek, "BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!" Urr well maybe not, but he's got the best voice, and want him to release an album. After scanning the shelves of Dress Circle, he certainly deserves to be among them.
Rachel Burrell was the new Christine; brilliant. Sung 'Think of Me' with a reassuring ease, as that's one song which will make my eyes twitch if not sung correctly (says the girl with zero amount of talent for singing anything, ha ha!). Ooooh and she was a very cunning Christine - during 'Point of No Return', she showed that her Christine had strong suspicions that it was the Phantom already, which was an interesting take.
Oliver Thornton was on as Raoul, who I'd seen a few times as Enjolras in Les Mis. Certainly looked the part, and appeared to be enjoying all the dancing in 'Masquerade'. Not entirely sure of his performance, though maybe he just needs some more time to slink into the role comfortably. Still, his 'Old Man Raoul' singing was enjoyable ;) In fact, I always enjoy that part whoever's playing the Raoul, just makes me wanna laugh!

Though I've seen 5 times, does the boat at the end always carry Christine and Raoul right off to side stage? As that night, it sort of jerked to a stop, both actors briefly paused (still singing), then climbed out, and walked off into what I always gathered was the lake... Terrible that I can't quite remember the ending, but hey, I'm always watching the Phantom at this part, stuff those 2! The guy sitting next to me didn't clap once, and only briefly during the bows, hmm. I shall be sad when the 2 actors playing the managers leave, as I find them both hilarious :) JOJ's last performance is 26th Feb, 2005, which I have booked up, though am slightly worried of there being any fangirly shrieking throughout the performance (memories of We Will Rock You come floating back!). Talk to you then!
P.S. And so the film is out now (as of typing this review)! First time round was a little hard getting used to Gerard Butler's....singing, but enjoyed thoroughly on second viewing. Mr Butler is a wonderful actor, and what a sexy face (well, half of it anyway) ;D My mum summed it up by saying, "The Phantom just wants sex, doesn't he...naughty boy."