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The Phantom of the Opera West End musical poster
West EndMusicalOriginal

The Phantom of the Opera

81
Recommended

Most reviews from 40 years ago

Audience: A+ · Loving It

His Majesty's Theatre · 2h 30m · Opened Oct 9, 1986 · 39+ years in the West End

Critics' Take

Lloyd Webber's gothic spectacular remains a crowd-pleaser after 35 years, critics agree, praising its catchy score and lavish staging. While some find it gloriously campy and '80s, most concede the show still works hard for its audience.

Critic Scorecard

14 reviews
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From the minute the languid and apparently derelict chandelier bursts into life it's obvious you're in for a special evening.

Musical Theatre Review Staff

The Phantom of the opera has truly proven its classic status decade after decade of being shown on the West End, long may it play the music of the night.

The Times (UK) logo
The Times (UK)Aug 15, 2021

The show has only grown in its artistic power, the music swooping down from the gods to give you a glorious emotional rinsing.

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Audience Scorecard

16.4K audience reviews
A+
Loving It

Awards Scorecard

36
Honored
Award Recognition
Olivier Awards
  • Best Actor in a MusicalWon
  • Best Set DesignNominated

Showtimes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do critics say about The Phantom of the Opera?

Lloyd Webber's gothic spectacular remains a crowd-pleaser after 35 years, critics agree, praising its catchy score and lavish staging. While some find it gloriously campy and '80s, most concede the show still works hard for its audience. (CriticScore 81/100 from 14 reviews.)

Is The Phantom of the Opera worth seeing?

Yes. The Phantom of the Opera earns strong reviews from critics (81/100 from 14 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.

What is the CriticScore for The Phantom of the Opera?

The Phantom of the Opera has a CriticScore of 81/100 based on 14 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.

Is The Phantom of the Opera still running in London?

Yes, The Phantom of the Opera is currently playing at His Majesty's Theatre in London.

Where is The Phantom of the Opera playing in London?

The Phantom of the Opera is playing at His Majesty's Theatre.

How long is The Phantom of the Opera?

The Phantom of the Opera has a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 intermission.

Discount Tickets

Box Office Rush

£37.5
daily at 10 AM

Released daily at 10 AM via show website.

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Cast

Cast information is not yet available for this production.

Creative Team

Quick Facts

CriticScore
81/100 (14 reviews)
Status
Now Playing
Opened
Oct 9, 1986
Running
39+ years in the West End
Runtime
2h 30m
Intermissions
1
Synopsis
Beneath the Paris Opera House lurks the Phantom, a disfigured musical genius who becomes obsessed with Christine Daaé, a young soprano he secretly tutors and propels to stardom. When Christine rekindles her romance with the dashing Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, the jealous Phantom unleashes terror upon the opera company, eventually abducting Christine to his subterranean lair. There, she must confront the man behind the mask and choose between pity for her tormentor and love for Raoul.
Data Last Updated
August 8, 2026

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