ACT 1

 

Scene 1

Is the Phantom real, or perhaps a ghost? Does he really exist or is he just a fable, A figure in people’s imaginations? Or is he really haunting the famous Paris Opera theatre?

Our story begins with a young dancer, Christine, watched from a distance by the Phantom, being taught how to dance by her teacher Madam Giry and we see her growing through the years into a wonderful ballerina. The Phantom adores and falls in love with Christine and vows, at all costs, to make her the brightest star of the famous ballet company.

 

Scene 2

It is the opening night of the Paris Opera Ballet season and tout Le Monde is in the theatre eager to see the new creation for the evening. The cast is led by the reigning ballerina Carlotta and her partner the young and handsome Raoul the secret lover of Christine. Christine has been given a new role as a soloist and there is great excitement as Paris discovers a new star. Watched by the Phantom the performance is a triumph, especially for Christine, much to the anger and jealousy of Carlotta, and the audience are enthralled and enchanted by Christine’s performance. The young Raoul, in love with Christine, could not be happier. Scene 3

 

Backstage after the performance the entire company, apart from Carlotta who is furious with rage at Christine’s success, are congratulating Christine on her performance. Unseen, the Phantom appears and gifts Christine a red rose. Carlotta’s fury rises and she attacks Christine throwing the celebration into turmoil. Furious at having been overlooked Carlotta storms off the stage.

 

Scene 4

The following day Madam Giry is seen giving Christine corrections on her performance closely watched by the Phantom. The company appear for a rehearsal and Madam Giry calls everyone to begin on the new ballet. She stops the rehearsal as Carlotta has not arrived, having been delayed by the Phantom, and replaces her, much to the delight of Raoul, with Christine. The rehearsal continues and as Christine and Raoul are dancing together Carlotta suddenly appears in the studio. She is furious that Christine has taken her place so she stops the rehearsal, and watched by the Phantom, slaps Christine across the face. Madam Giry cancels the rest of the rehearsal and dismisses the company leaving Carlotta alone.

 

Scene 5

Carlotta left alone in the studio begins to feel uneasy. A strange coldness comes over and she tries to leave the rehearsal room only to be stopped by the Phantom. The Phantom taunts her and Carlotta, fearing for her life, tries to escape. It is to no avail. The Phantom attacks. Carlotta is desperate and tries to call for help but nobody comes. She fights with the Phantom who is determined that she will no longer be a threat to Christine. There is only one way to end this. He kills her.

 

Scene 6

The Phantom disappears as he hears the company returning to resume the rehearsal. Madam Giry brings everyone into the room. Christine and Raoul discover the lifeless body of Carlotta. The Phantom watches from afar. Horrified Christine and Raoul flee the room leaving the devastating sight of the body of Carlotta behind them.

 

Scene 7

Christine and Raoul escape to the roof of the Paris Opera. Christine is distraught and Raoul tries to calm her. Christine then realises her love for Raoul and they both decide that want to be together forever. The Phantom sees the two lovers and is torn apart with jealousy. He rages on and vows that he will get his revenge at any cost and steal Christine away from Raoul.

 

ACT 2

 

Scene 1

The annual masked ball is being held in the Paris Opera house and a huge celebration is taking place. Christine, now the prima ballerina of the ballet company, and her partner Raoul have been asked to entertain the guests. Watched by the Phantom they perform for all of guests and receive a huge ovation for their performance. The Phantom appears in the disguise of a Red Devil determined to separate Christine and Raoul from each other. A fight ensues and Christine and Raoul escape from the theatre foyer leaving the Phantom to reveal himself and in his anger he sets fire to the Palais crystal foyer causing pandemonium and fear. He then flees to follow Christine and Raoul in the hope of stealing her away for himself.

 

Scene 2

Christine and Raoul are seen escaping from the horror of the Phantom’s evil ways and are followed by many people from the masked ball trying to escape the bedlam, and finally followed by the Phantom.

 

Scene 3

Christine and Raoul return to their dressing rooms to change and decide to flee from Paris to escape from the Phantom. They are about to leave when the Phantom arrives. A struggle begins and the Phantom knocks Raoul to the ground. Christine faints. The Phantom picks up Christine and escapes with her through the secret mirror. As Raoul recovers Madam Giry arrives and Raoul begs her to show him the way to find Christine. Madam Giry feels pity for Raoul and shows him the way through the magic mirror.

 

Scene 4

The Phantom takes Christine through a labyrinth of passages to his lair in the bowels of the great Paris Opera theatre.

 

Scene 5

Christine revives in the Phantom’s lair and discovers that the Phantom has only one desire and that is to possess and marry Christine. Christine begs for him to release her and that she is in love with another but to no avail. The Phantom begs for Christine to love him. Feeling pity for the Phantom Christine is torn. In a moment of tenderness Christine removes the Phantom’s mask only to reveal the horrors of his disfigurement beneath. Christine is horrified by what she sees and again tries to escape. Raoul arrives at the lair having been shown the way by Madam Giry and a fight between him and the Phantom ensues whilst Raoul tries to rescue Christine. Raoul is overpowered once again by the Phantom. Christine pleads and begs the Phantom to release Raoul and that if he does, she will stay with him forever. Finally seeing the never ending love that Christine has for Raoul the Phantom realises that he will never receive the love for him that she has for Raoul. Broken and destroyed and understanding that he can never win over true love the Phantom has no choice but to let the young lovers go, leaving himself in the endless loneliness and despair......

 

 

Choreographer/Derek Deane

Composer/Carl Davis

Set & Costume Designer/Lez Brotherston

Lighting Designer/Howard Harrison

Video & Projection Designer/Nina Dunn

First Assistant/Ivan Gil-Ortega

Assistant to Choreographer/Ugo Ranieri