Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, has once again taken centre stage in Singapore. Running at Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands until June 22, the iconic musical production features a cast of 37 international performances, including Ben Forster as the Phantom and Grace Roberts as Christine. In fact, British actress Roberts grew up in Singapore from the age of six months until she was 18. Our team watched the spectacular musical last week on opening night, for the first time, so I’ve written a Phantom of the Opera review for Singapore below. Here’s why you need to see the beloved masterpiece for yourself.
The Phantom of the Opera Review
Presented by Base Entertainment Asia, this is the musical’s fifth run in Singapore, since 1995. For newcomers, The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless tale of love, obsession, and mystery. Set in the Paris Opera House in the late 19th century, the musical follows the haunting story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose rise to stardom is manipulated by a enigmatic Phantom lurking beneath the theatre. The narrative spirals into a dramatic collision of passion, jealously, and longing, and Christine is torn between the Phantom’s shadowy mentorship and her rekindled love for childhood friend Raoul.
This production immerses Singapore audiences in a world of gothic romance and theatrical spectacle, from the moment the iconic chandelier rises, in a set designed to recreate the opulence of the Paris Opera House. It features intricate backdrops, dramatic lighting, and atmospheric smoke effects.
Particularly, our team was captivated by the use of countless candles during the lake scene similar to Candlelight and scenes like the masquerade ball dazzling with vibrant costumes and swirling staircases, as well as the Phantom’s haunting underground lair feeling a little too realistic. Additionally, it felt like the costumes brought the audience back to the 19th century.
Haunting performances
When it comes to performances, these are nothing short of emotionally immersive and vocally powerful. Ben Forster, who portrays the Phantom, brings both vulnerability and menace to the role. Our team praised his vocals in numbers like Music of the Night and All I Ask of You, where he balances the character’s tortured soul with flashes of desperate humanity. Meanwhile, Grace Roberts delivers an impressive and warm emotionally resonant Christine with melodies like Think of Me and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again. Plus, the chemistry between the new leads adds to the showcase.
One of the members of our team said that the finale and final line of the Phantom was so well delivered it made her shed a tear – no lie. Another notable character making the music memorable was Raoul, played by Matt Leisy, particularly in songs like Masquerade.
A dark emotional journey through music
The heart of the show is the musical score which offers operatic influences and unforgettable melodies. From tunes like The Phantom of the Opera to All I Ask of You, and more…each song was performed with both technical mastery and emotional nuance to captivate audiences.
The Phantom of the Opera is a haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable theatrical experience to see in Singapore. Indeed, this musical is one of the most enduring works in theatre history that you need to witness this season.
Why should you see it live?
Overall, The Phantom of the Opera has received more than 70 major awards as well as 160 million viewers globally. The unforgettable musical score, world-class cast, lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and special effects create a sensory feast alongside the story’s deep emotional core in Singapore. Our team’s final verdict is The Phantom of the Opera is a blend of spectacles, outstanding music, and raw emotion which ensures a captivating performance for all ages.
That concludes our Phantom of the Opera review in Singapore. It runs until June 22. Get tickets here.
SEE MORE: The Best Upcoming Concerts In Singapore