There are few musicals as instantly recognisable – or as enduring – as The Phantom of the Opera. Since its 1986 debut, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s gothic romance has become the longest-running show in Broadway history and a cornerstone of musical theatre. Now, in its latest run at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre, Phantom proves it still has the power to enchant, unsettle, and stir the soul.
Set in the opulent world of the Paris Opera House, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who lives in the shadows beneath the stage. He becomes obsessed with a young soprano, Christine Daaé, mentoring her in secret while terrorising the opera house to ensure her rise to fame. As Christine’s star ascends and she finds herself torn between the Phantom and her childhood friend Raoul, the story unfolds as a tragic love triangle set against soaring music, lavish spectacle, and lingering menace.
Review of The Phantom of the Opera in Singapore, 2025
This is my second time watching the musical, but to my surprise, this performance moved me far more than the first. The rhythm feels more right. The voices more haunting. There’s a sensitivity to the pacing and storytelling this time that gives the production a more intimate, emotionally charged texture.
Leading the cast is Ben Forster as the Phantom, whose portrayal leans less toward theatrical villain and more toward wounded soul. His “Music of the Night” sounds more like a plea, aching, and eerily tender. By the final scene, Forster’s Phantom is more man than myth, unravelled by his own loneliness.
Opposite him, Grace Roberts delivers a stunning performance as Christine. Her voice is crystal clear, soaring through the most difficult arias with ease, but it’s her emotional shading that leaves a mark. This Christine is not just a passive ingénue, but a young woman caught between fear, fascination, and the painful process of choosing her own path. Her “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” is one of the production’s most poignant moments.
Together, Forster and Roberts have undeniable chemistry, particularly in the title duet “The Phantom of the Opera” and the sensual, charged “Point of No Return”. In both numbers, their voices blend beautifully, and there’s a palpable tension between them: fear, desire, confusion, control. These scenes are where the musical’s themes of power and vulnerability are most vividly felt.
They are joined by an excellent international ensemble – 37 performers from the UK, USA, South Africa, Australia and beyond – who bring energy, precision, and personality to every corner of the stage. While the famously elaborate “Masquerade” sequence could have benefited from sharper choreography and tighter execution, ensemble scenes like “Notes” stand out for their wit, rhythm, and dynamic staging. It’s one of the most entertaining and well-paced segments of the evening.
All the beloved elements of Phantom are here: the opulent sets, the baroque costumes, the dramatic descent into the Phantom’s lair, and of course, the iconic chandelier crash. But what truly distinguishes this run is not the spectacle; it’s the soul. It’s the way everything flows – from the eerie undercurrent of the overture to the gasp-worthy final descent into darkness. The pacing feels tighter, the transitions smoother, the storytelling surer of itself. The silence between notes sometimes says as much as the music itself.
Perhaps it’s the familiarity that allowed me to see more clearly this time, or perhaps this particular cast has simply tapped into something richer and more resonant. Either way, this production doesn’t just revisit the legend of the Phantom – it gives it new life.
So do I recommend it? Without question. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world beneath the opera house, this production captures what makes The Phantom of the Opera a classic: not just its grandeur, but its aching humanity.
The Phantom of the Opera will run from now till 22 June 2025 at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. Prices begin from S$88 and is available on the MBS website.
