Loughborough Amateur Operatic Society – The Phantom of the Opera Loughborough Town Hall Saturday 9th September 2023
Written by our first guest reviewer – Lynne Leeming

Wow, just wow, is the only way to sum up the spectacle that I witnessed at Loughborough Town Hall yesterday evening.

Andrew Lloyd-Weber’s Phantom of the Opera, performed by Loughborough Amateur Operatic Society (LAOS), is a story of a love triangle where two love rivals, Eric, the Phantom and Raoul, Christine’s childhood sweetheart, are vying for the affections of former chorus girl turned opera lead, Christine Daaé.

I must admit that when I first heard that LAOS were going to perform Phantom I was very sceptical as to whether a local amateur (and I use that word loosely as amateur they were not), society would be able to pull off such a big show. I needn’t have worried as right from the first powerful chord to the last note there was nothing amateurish about this production.

The 3 main principal roles were perfectly cast with James Highton playing the Phantom, Natalie Littlewood as Christine and Cameron Stephenson as Raoul. Supported by the talented Clare Proctor as Carlotta the Prima Donna and Adrian Dobson as Ubaldo Piangi. It is impossible to single anyone out as they were all stunning with powerful and emotional vocals.

James Stevens led the orchestra to create a musical feast worthy of any West End orchestra pit. The talents on stage were equally matched by those of the accompanying musicians. To the listener, the music sounded exactly as you expected it to, sending shivers down the spine and creating an atmosphere to behold.

The set was no small affair and the backstage team, led by the more than able Duncan Gadsby, created smooth and slick scene changes enabling the production to flow seamlessly. Maximum use was made of the Town Hall’s sound system to create an almost immersive production, resulting in the audience looking round to follow the sound as echoes from the catacombs bounced from the walls in all directions. The reverb of the Phantom’s voice made for an eerie and gripping tone.

My only slight criticism was with the lighting which at times was a little too subdued for those at the back of theatre to see the detail of what was happening on the stage, but this is me being ever so slightly picky. The staging, lighting, sound and use of pyrotechnics and fire created the perfect setting and atmosphere.

Phantom of the Opera was a sold out production and those of us lucky enough to have a ticket were treated to a phenomenal experience. The show had me fully mesmerised from beginning to end and is a true credit to the very talented director, Sally Bruton. Loughborough is very lucky to have a number of very talented amateur theatre groups, but this production has set that barre even higher.

LAOS return to Loughborough Town Hall with The Wizard of Oz from the 5th to 9th March 2024.

Lynne would have given this production 5+ stars if possible.