Maria Coyne joins The Phantom of the Opera

Last night, Maria Coyne joined the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Coyne is in the ensemble whilst understudying the role of Christine Daaé. As previously announced, Lisa-Anne Wood has taken over from Emmi Christensson as alternate Christine.

Big Interview: Nadim Naaman & Celinde Schoenmaker

Nadim Naaman and Celinde Schoenmaker are currently starring as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny and Christine Daaé in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Whilst appearing in Phantom, Nadim is working on his second solo album Sides which follows his 2013 debut album We All Want The Same. Sides features nine self-penned songs by Nadim as well as nine musical theatre tracks, including the title song from Phantom featuring Celinde.

Having understudied Raoul between 2010 and 2012, last year Nadim returned to The Phantom of the Opera to play the role full-time. His theatre credits include: Anthony in Sweeney Todd (Harrington Pie & Mash Shop), Rolf in The Sound Of Music (Palladium), Jamie in The Last Five Years (Pleasance), Charles Clarke in Titanic (Southwark Playhouse/Toronto), Anatoly in Chess (Union), understudy Alan/Alfie in One Man Two Guvnors (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Armand in Marguerite (Tabard), Andrei in Thirteen Days & Sam in Goodbye Barcelona (both Arcola) and James in James and The Giant Peach (Watermill).

Born in the Netherlands, Celinde made her West End debut as Fantine in Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre) and went on to play Jenny in Love Story in Holland. Before joining The Phantom of the Opera, Celinde reprised her performance in Les Misérables for a second run. She was cast as Molly in the Dutch production of Ghost , but sadly the show was later postponed.

Through the wonders of FaceTime, I recently spoke to Nadim and Celinde live in the recording studio. We discussed what people can expect from Nadim’s new album and why people might be surprised by their version of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’. We also spoke about life behind the scenes in Phantom, their daily routines and whether we can expect any solo shows/albums from Celinde in the near future…

Nadim, this is album number two! Following the success of We All Want The Same, what did you set out to do with Sides?

Nadim: So We All Want The Same was as much of an experiment as anything else – it was the first time I had the balls to do something with songs I’d written. All the songs were written very independently from one another over a ten year period, whereas all of the original songs on this album have been written over the last eighteen months. The main difference is that this one is a combination of originals and covers. I wanted to reflect both sides of my musical personality because I’m a musical theatre performer, but I’m also very passionate about songwriting and creating new things. That’s how we came up with the concept of an album called Sides – there are nine new songs and nine musical theatre covers.

Nadim Naaman confirms details for second album and solo concert

West End star Nadim Naaman has announced further details for his second album and revealed plans for an album launch concert.

Entitled Sides, Naaman's new album will be released with independent label Auburn Jam Records on 20th June 2016.

There are collaborations on the album with: Rob Houchen (Titanic/Les Mis), Eva Noblezada (Miss Saigon/Les Mis), Jeremy Secomb (Sweeney Todd/Les Mis), Celinde Schoenmaker (Phantom/Les Mis) and Laura Tebbutt (Forbidden Broadway/Love Me Tender). Sides will also feature a bonus track of the previously released ‘A Soldier’s Christmas’, written by Naaman and performed with former Phantom Gerónimo Rauch.

Saving the day! Jeremy Secomb returns to The Phantom of the Opera

Jeremy Secomb is taking a break from the barricade to return to the secret lair at Her Majesty's Theatre!

Having previously understudied the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, on Saturday (13th February) Secomb returned to the production as an emergency cover Phantom.

Ben Forster (lead Phantom), Scott Davies (standby Phantom) and Kieran Brown (understudy Phamtom) were all unable to perform.

Secomb, who is currently starring as Javert in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre, has just confirmed on Twitter that tonight (15th February) he will once again be playing The Phantom. 

First look at Ben Forster as The Phantom of the Opera

The first image of Ben Forster as the title character in The Phantom of the Opera has been released (see below). Forster takes over the role from John Owen-Jones in the West End production of the musical at Her Majesty's Theatre from 1st February 2016.

Discussing his new role during a recent interview with West End Frame, Forster said: "I’m really excited! I’m looking forward to bringing my vision forward and I think Andrew (Lloyd Webber) and Cameron (Mackintosh) are quite excited about that too."

Having recently played Buddy in Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre, Forster's theatre credits include: Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (West End/UK tour), El Haj in La Cava (West End), Doody in Grease (West End/ international tour), lead vocalist in Thriller Live (West End/international tour) and Magaldi in Evita (West End). 

Big Interview: Martin Ball

Martin Ball is playing Scrooge in Ciaran McConville’s production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at the Rose Theatre Kingston.

Martin recently completed a two year run as Monsieur André in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre after originating the role of Horace Hardwick in Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre. 

His extensive theatre credits also include: Thénardier in Les Misérables (West End), George Banks in Mary Poppins (national tour), Dr. Dillamond in Wicked (original West End cast), Harry Bright in Mamma Mia (West End), Dead Funny (Nottingham Playhouse), Charley’s Aunt (Sheffield Crucible), The Taming of the Shrew (Nuffield Southampton) and The Importance of Being Earnest (national tour). 

On screen Martin has appeared in Doomsday, Pappadopolous & Son, Flood, Ali G Indahouse, Bernard’s Watch, Home Farm Twins, Keeping Mum, Chalk, Little Lord Fauntleroy, Down To Earth, My Family and The Thick of It to name but a few.

I recently spoke to Martin about approaching A Christmas Carol with a fresh pair of eyes, why reading the script left him with tears streaming down his cheeks plus his experiences in The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Top Hat…

What drew you to this production of A Christmas Carol?

I don’t really remember A Christmas Carol, it wasn’t part of my childhood for some reason. I think I thought it was probably ‘just a bit dull’ and I had never seen any of the films either. When Ciaran (McConville, director & adapter) sent me the script I read it and was blown away by what a lovely story it is. Although I would probably have been able to briefly describe the plot, I came to it with fresh eyes. I sat there and, as I got to the end, tears were running down my cheeks. I thought it was absolutely delightful and wanted to be a part of it. 

The Phantom of the Opera releases new production images

New production images have been released for The Phantom of the Opera featuring the musical's current cast. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

John Owen Jones recently returned to the musical which runs at Her Majesty's Theatre. He has played ‘The Phantom’ more times than any other actor in the West End production’s history. The cast also includes Celinde Schoemaker as ‘Christine Daaé’, Nadim Naaman as ‘Raoul, Michael Matus as ‘Monsieur Firmin’ and Christopher Dickins as ‘Monsieur André’.

Big Interview: Ben Forster

Ben Forster is starring as Buddy in Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre between 24th October 2015 and 2nd January 2016. 

Ben returns to the show having played Buddy during Elf’s runs in Plymouth and Dublin last year. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf The Musical will also star Kimberley Walsh as Jovie.

After completing his run in Elf, Ben will take over as the title character in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 1st February 2016.

Ben recently reprised his performance as Brad in a limited West End run of The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse, starring alongside the show’s creator Richard O'Brien. A special gala performance was broadcast to cinemas around the world.

In 2012 Ben entered Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ITV reality series ‘Superstar’ and won the title role in the UK arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. He later reprised his performance for the production’s Australian tour and for a second tour of the UK.

Ben’s theatre credits also include: El Haj in La Cava (West End), Doody in Grease (West End/ international tour), lead vocalist in Thriller Live (West End/international tour), Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (40th anniversary UK tour) and Magaldi in Evita (West End). Ben has also produced two acoustic albums and is currently working on original material for a third album.

I recently spoke to Ben during a break from Elf rehearsals about feeling festive, falling in love with Buddy and why he’s thrilled to be starring opposite Kimberley Walsh. We also discussed why reprising his performance in The Rocky Horror Show was a mad experience, how it feels to be taking over as one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre and the incredible support he receives from fans…

The last few months have been crazy for you with three West End shows lined up at the same time! Have you had the chance to take it in or has it all been a bit of a blur?

It has been amazing! As an actor I couldn’t ask for more. It’s so amazing to have stuff lined up like that, I’m incredibly lucky! I was doing the music rehearsals for Phantom, then the next week I was rehearsing for Rocky Horror, then we did Rocky Horror, I finished it on the Saturday and I started rehearsals for Elf on the Monday. It has been absolutely manic, but so rewarding! In an ideal world this is exactly what I would want to happen.

Nadim Naaman announces solo concert

It has been announced that Nadim Naaman will play a solo concert at Above The Arts Theatre on Sunday 25th October 2015 as part of the Sunday In The Arts With... season.

Naaman is currently starring as Raoul in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre, a role he previously understudied. 

He most recently played Charles Clarke in Titanic at the Princess of Wales in Toronto and Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd at the Harrington’s Pie & Mash Shop.

Naaman's theatre credits also include: One Man, Two Guvnors (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Sound of Music (London Palladium), Titanic (Southwark Playhouse), Chess (Union), Marguerite (Tabard), Thirteen Days (Arcola), Knight Crew (Glyndebourne), James and The Giant Peach (Watermill) and The Last Five Years (Pleasance).

Interview: Layla Harrison, currently in The Phantom of the Opera

Having joined the show prior to its 25th anniversary celebrations, Layla Harrison is currently preparing to bid farewell to The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

As well as appearing in the ensemble, Layla understudies the role of Meg for which she finished as the second runner-up in West End Frame’s 2014 Understudy of the Year Award.

Layla’s theatre credits include: The Ragged Child (UK Tour/New York/Canada) and the National Youth Music Theatre’s production of Oliver! (Edinburgh Fringe).

Her dance work includes: her professional debut as Young Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (Kirov Ballet Company), Cinderella (Royal Ballet Company), Fireworks (Ballet Ireland UK and Ireland tour), dancing with Adam Cooper and Oxana Panchenko in Peter Darrell’s Jeux (gala), Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Giselle and Romeo and Juliet (English National Ballet Company), Sleeping Beauty, Carmen, Cheating Lying Stealing, Pennies from Heaven, Rubies, In Light and Shadow, The Nutcracker, Spring Season Fairy in Cinderella and Dormouse in Alice (Scottish Ballet Company) and working with Will Tuckett on a performance at Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles (Royal Opera House and Van Cleef & Arpels collaboration).

On screen Layla has appeared in: Poirot: The Dumb Witness, The South Bank Show, Blue Peter, Ballet Russes, Filth & Wisdom, Margot and 3D feature film Streetdance. She has also worked extensively as a teacher having established Dunsford Performing Arts.

Layla chats to West End Frame about why leaving Phantom is going to be emotional, what it was like to work so closely with Gillian Lynne on the show’s 25th anniversary and what other shows she’s itching to do…

Can you believe that your time in Phantom has almost come to an end?

Not at all! So much has happened in the four years I've been there, yet it feels like it's flown by too. 

What are you going to miss most about the show?

I have some really special friends at the theatre, from different departments, who I will miss seeing every day. Of course I will make sure I see them plenty, but it's never the same as when you work with someone every day. The production itself is so special and I've always been so proud to be a part of it and will miss the feeling of belonging to it. The curtain call is another novelty that never wears off. There's a lot I will miss.

The Phantom of the Opera announces new West End cast

The West End production of The Phantom of the Opera will welcome a new cast at Her Majesty’s Theatre from Monday 7th September 2015, 

John Owen-Jones is returning as The Phantom for a limited run from Monday 7th September 2015 until Saturday 30th January 2016, having most recently played the part in the show's UK tour. He has played the role more times than any other actor in the West End production’s history.

Owen-Jones has also played the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in the West End, on the 25th anniversary tour and on Broadway. He was the first British actor to play the role in the West End and on Broadway. He most recently appeared as Pirelli in the English National Opera production of Sweeney Todd. 

Phantom charity cycle raises £12,000

Company members from the West End production of The Phantom Of the Opera have raised almost £12,000 for MacMillan Cancer Care by cycling more than 385km - in between shows - from central London all the way to the steps of the Paris Opera House (where the Phantom’s story is set) in jut 28 hours!

In memory of the late long serving Les Miserables wig mistress Melanie Oakley-Dow, who died in 2013, and Phantom wardrobe assistant Paula MacIntosh, (who died last week, just six weeks after being diagnosed with breast cancer), The Great Phantom Cross Channel Charity Cycle, saw company members Ryan O’Gorman (Swing), Tim Laurenti (LeFevre), Tim Morgan (Don Atillio), Richard Munday (understudy Raoul) and trumpeter Simon Cheney saddle and wrap up against the elements on an overnight cycle ride – departing after the second show on Saturday 9th May.

Interview: Kieran Brown, currently in The Phantom of the Opera

Kieran Brown is currently understudying the title role in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Most recently Kieran played Elphaba’s Father and understudied The Wizard and Dr. Dillamond in Wicked (Apollo Victoria).

Just a few of his credits also include: understudy Raoul in Love Never Dies (Adelphi), Les Misérables (Palace/25th Anniversary Concert at the O2), Before the Night Is Through (Landor), Tick, Tick… Boom! (Vienna), Pipe Dream (Union), The Phantom in Maury Yeston’s Phantom (Ye Olde Rose and Crown), Tony Christie/Elton John in Laughter in the Rain (UK tour) and The Thorn Birds (UK tour). 

Kieran speaks to West End Frame about landing his dream show, his memories of his first Phantom performance, as well as what other projects are keeping him busy at the moment plus much, much more…

How is life in Phantom?

It’s really great thank you! Sometimes I still can’t quite believe I’m there to be honest! I’m hugely proud to be associated with the show. 

Was it always one of your dream shows?

Oh definitely. I saw it at the Edinburgh Playhouse in 1991 and I fell in love with it. I used to listen to the cast recording every night before I went to sleep. It’s a show I’ve wanted to do for such a long time, and have come close to doing a couple of times before but I guess the timing wasn’t right then. I was actually with West End Wilma talking about how I was a knock back or two away from taking a break for a while – no idea what I would do instead though – when I got the call to say I had been offered the job of cover Phantom. I was sure it was going to be a no. That was a good night [laughs].

Earl Carpenter returning to The Phantom of the Opera for limited performances!

Earl Carpenter has announced that he is reprising his celebrated portrayal of the title role in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre for selected performances. Confirmed dates so far include: 2nd, 6th and 7th March 2015.

What's happening Twitter? I tell you: @PhantomOpera Mar 2/6/7 and then some perfs tbc week 9th March! #phantomlondon pic.twitter.com/aUK0PW4fOw

— Earl Carpenter (@EarlCarpenter) February 20, 2015

Carpenter most recently played the Phantom in the musical's UK Tour. Last year he starred as Javert in Les Miserables on Broadway. Follow Carpenter on Twitter to stay up-to-date with his upcoming Phantom schedule: @EarlCarpenter

The Phantom of the Opera announces new West End cast

It has been announced that Liam Tamne will take over as Raoul in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre on Monday 1st September 2014.

John Ellis and Alicia Beck will also join the cast as Piangi and Meg, marking their West End debuts. 

Gerónimo Rauch will continue to star as The Phantom and Harriet Jones as Christine. Emmi Christensson joins the company as alternate Christine.

The production will continue to star Andy Hockley as Monsieur Firmin, Martin Ball as Monsieur Andre, Lara Martins as Carlotta and Jacinta Mulcahy as Madame Giry.

Nadim Naaman returns to The Phantom of the Opera

Last night Nadim Naaman  (pictured right) made a last minute return to the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera as Raoul.

The performer will once again play the role tonight (due to the indisposition of Sean Palmer and his understudies), nearly two years after he left the production.

Writing on Twitter yesterday afternoon, Nadim said, "Erm... So... I'm on my way to Her Majesty's. Due to illness, I am playing Raoul tonight in Phantom! It's been nearly two years. Gulp." 

After the performance he wrote, "Speechless. Have just had the most incredible night back at Phantom. Thank you to every single person who helped, onstage and off. Literally the best building I've ever worked in. And even a two year gap, it was a joy. Love. It."

Sierra Boggess returning to The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway

The Phantom of the Opera has announced its new Broadway cast who join the show on Monday 12th May 2014. Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis, who most recently triumphed in the legendary role of Porgy in The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, will return to Broadway in another legendary role as The Phantom.

Broadway and West End star Sierra Boggess, who received tremendous acclaim starring as Christine Daaé in both the musical’s London 25th Anniversary production at Royal Albert Hall and the Broadway 25th Anniversary cast last year, will return to the role in the New York production. 

Guest Blog: New casts at Les Mis and Phantom

Theatre fan Olivia Edmonds shares her thoughts on the new casts of Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera

As a Theatre lover - and a proud one at that - nothing makes me happier than to see such a wide range of new shows, be it plays or musicals, coming into the West End, particularly at the moment. With such a diverse range as The Commitments, Strangers on a Train, The Light Princess and Once, as well as many more on the horizon, it looks like the theatre industry will be thriving for many years to come. 

But one of the key ingredients of a thriving theatre industry for me is that all of this new 'wonderfulness' is balanced out by the long running classics - the shows which have been running for many years and continue to bring in the audiences night after night. 

Phantom of the Opera: Meet The New Cast

New cast members join the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera tonight (2nd September 2013) as part of a major cast change. Fresh from playing 'Jean Valjean' in Les Misérables, Gerónimo Rauch joins the cast as ‘The Phantom’ and Broadway leading man Sean Palmer joins as ‘Raoul’.The Phantom of the Opera will continue to star Sofia Escobar as ‘Christine’ and Jeremy Secomb as ‘Piangi’.

Meet the new cast members below:

Gerónimo Rauch (The Phantom) is an Argentinian singer and actor who has recently finished playing ‘Jean Valjean’ in the West End production of “Les Misérables”, having played the same role in the New 25th Anniversary production of “Los Miserables” in Barcelona. He has also played ‘Feuilly’ and ‘Marius’ in “Les Misérables” in Argentina, as well as taking part in the 25th Anniversary celebration of “Les Misérables” at The 02.

In 2002 Gerónimo took part in the Buenos Aires version of TV talent show “Popstars” and was successfully chosen to become a founder member of the band Mambrú, whose debut album went Triple Platinum. Previous theatre credits include ‘Doody’ in “Grease” at Astral Theatre in Buenos Aires, ‘Jesus’ in “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Teatro Lope de Vega in Madrid and ‘Mary Sunshine’ in “Chicago” at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid.

Gerónimo Rauch to star as The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera - major cast change announced

Major cast changes will take place in the smash hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End from Monday 2nd September 2013. Fresh from his success as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Gerónimo Rauch will join the cast as ‘The Phantom’.

Broadway leading man Sean Palmer will also join the cast as 'Raoul'. They will be joined by Andy Hockley as ‘Monsieur Firmin’, Martin Ball as ‘Monsieur André’, Claire Moore as ‘Carlotta’, Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Madame Giry’, Cat Lane as ‘Meg Giry’ and Olivia Brereton and Harriet Jones who will both play ‘Christine’ at certain performances.

The production will continue to star West End Frame Award winner Sofia Escobar as ‘Christine’ and Jeremy Secombas ‘Piangi’.