Perhaps it’s showing my age a little but I remember a time when Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical seemed to rule the eighties. All power ballads, big hair and high drama, everyone knew at least one of the show’s tunes and there were plenty of tales about obsessive multiple viewings (apparently even Princess Diana was a super-fan had seen it many times from the comfort of the Royal Box).
Although it was always something I wanted to see, I had never actually made it to Phantom. Fast forward a few decades and the lovely people at City Wonders invited us to try their VIP Phantom of the Opera tour complete with a guided walk around theatreland, a sociable group dinner, a backstage tour and some of the best seats in the actual performance. There was just no way I was going to pass up this opportunity…
Meeting outside Her Majesty’s Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, our afternoon started with affable guide Phil taking us through the buzzing area around Shaftesbury Avenue regaling stories of historic theatre land which included frisky ghosts (who apparently went round pinching actor’s bottoms), the rivalry between theatres about who has the longest-running show and famous cats – the Globe’s resident pet ‘Beerbohm’ became the only cat to receive a front-page obituary in actor’s publication The Stage.
Next came the part of the tour most of our group had been waiting for – the backstage bit. We were handed over to two charming members of staff who whisked us around the historic – and now Grade II listed – backstage of Her Majesty’s Theatre, while actors practiced their lines preparing for that night’s show and technicians carefully checked equipment. We learned about the show’s complex logistics, the no expense spared costumes where silks are imported from India (and dresses can weigh up to two stone) and the safety issues of having 27 tonnes of equipment hovering high above the stage.
Of course like any good tour, there were also plenty of amusing anecdotes. We were shown a bit the scenery which was recently signed by and now called “The Hoff” and listened how many an actor suffered bruised ribs (and probably also a bruised ego) from misjudging the leap through one particular dicy trapdoor. We were even told just how furious original Phantom actor Michael Crawford became when a technical fault once left him having to punt backwards in the iconic boat scene.
Next, we swapped stories over a faultless pre-theatre dinner at the stylish Grace Bar in Piccadilly and then headed back to Her Majesty’s theatre to take up our seats in the much-coveted front row of the Royal Circle. I’m not going to give the plot away but you’ll probably know by now it’s an emotional affair with beautiful opera singers with equally beautiful voices, a mysterious masked lead and powerful heart-stopping songs. And of course, that famous boat scene.
For a fun, informative afternoon and evening out in London filled with tantalising backstage secrets and gorgeously lavish entertainment then definitely give the City Wonders Phantom tour a whirl. Although be warned, the songs will stick in your head like glue…
The VIP Phantom of the Opera Experience
The tour with City Wonders currently costs £105 ( normal price £150). This includes a two-course set dinner, a guided tour around theatreland, a London backstage tour and seats in the Royal Circle.
19 Comments
Schubert
27 June, 2014 at 11:54 amAlways good to take a look behind the scenes and know (a little bit) how its working. Sounds like you saw the original version, there are so many other out there, so thats important. I saw the Phantom in Hamburg Germany, even Les Mis and i’m going to become a real musicalfan. Interesting to know: there are two versions that are licenced bei A.L. Webber, the normal one and one with reduced orchestra and modified stage design for when the musical is on tour. Best musical i saw till now is the Lion King. If you have the ability, you definitely should! 😉
the lazy travelers
19 June, 2014 at 2:41 pmlove that you got to do this! when we were together in new york, we saw les mis. total last minute decision and we loved it!! next time we’ll have to spring for the full vip experience 😉
Becky Moore
23 June, 2014 at 2:01 pmYou totally should, it totally added to the drama of it all! 🙂
Mary Anne
18 June, 2014 at 6:39 pmI love a back stage VIP tour! It makes the show and experience so much more memorable.
Becky Moore
23 June, 2014 at 2:01 pmVery true! 🙂
lola
16 June, 2014 at 6:21 pmi DO love VIP experiences. i wish i liked theatre and musicals more. VIP me to a concert and i’m all over that!
Becky Moore
23 June, 2014 at 2:03 pmI’m not always a huge fan of musicals but Phantom was definitely an exception 😉
Emma
12 June, 2014 at 9:49 pmOh wow I’m going to see Phantom very soon, I can’t wait. I’m jealous you got to go backstage!
Becky Moore
12 June, 2014 at 9:57 pmOoh you’ll have a great time! Enjoy 🙂
Scott
12 June, 2014 at 9:44 pmLooks like a great tour, must be interesting to go backstage!
Becky Moore
12 June, 2014 at 9:57 pmThanks Scott yes it was a great tour!
Lauren Meshkin @BonVoyageLauren
12 June, 2014 at 8:28 amSo cool! I absolutely love Phantom of the Opera and a backstage tour sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
Becky Moore
12 June, 2014 at 9:58 pmThanks Lauren, it was a lot of fun!
Stahl
11 June, 2014 at 12:46 pmI’ve always wanted to see this musical and looks like a stylish way to do it too! Would love to go backstage!
Becky Moore
12 June, 2014 at 9:59 pmWould definitely recommend it! 🙂
Agness
11 June, 2014 at 2:30 amI wish I was there as well!!! I’m a big fan of operas!
Becky Moore
12 June, 2014 at 10:01 pmOne for the list when you’re next in London 🙂
@mrsoaroundworld
9 June, 2014 at 3:20 pmLooks like a lot of fun! Didn’t know you could do this 🙂
Becky Moore
12 June, 2014 at 10:02 pmThanks Ana, it was 🙂