Fan reviews of Richard as the
Phantom of the Opera

Since my last review I've been lucky enough to see Richard performing as the Phantom several times during 2002-03 and I can say straight from my heart that he is quite simply superb. His amazing stage presence, coupled with his magnificently operatic voice, combine to make the Phantom of the Opera the most compellingly defined character on the London stage, in my own humble opinion. I hope that I may have the huge pleasure of seeing Richard play the Phantom many more times this year.

Jeanette (24 March 2003)

I had booked a front row seat for one of the extra matinee performances which had been announced for Christmas week. Arriving at Her Majesty's Theatre that day, I went into the foyer and glanced at the cast board where to my disbelieving eyes, saw that Richard's name was there at the top of the list! Wow, I couldn't believe my luck - my favourite Phantom would be appearing from behind the mirror in all his masked and caped splendour within the next couple of hours - wheeeehhhh!!! Calming down a bit, I remembered I had a duty to carry out and joined the ticket queue, whereby I bought two more front row tickets for the 16th birthday show on 9 October 2002.

That done, I went for an amble round the block - although without really seeing anything other than Richard's name before my eyes - this afternoon had turned out to be pretty good and would certainly get even more so with the brilliant prospect of seeing Richard play the Phantom and hearing that super voice once again. Then it was time to take my seat in the middle of the front row (I get the feeling that members of the orchestra must think - 'Crumbs, is she here again?' - but who cares!!).

Claire Hammacott was playing Christine and Matt Cammelle was Raoul, two really good performers - as are all the cast. Then the magic moment arrived with the Mirror Scene and I was floating up and away on a cloud. Richard simply has everything one could possibly wish for in a Phantom - a magnificent, operatic voice, a tall and elegant physique, graceful but very masculine movements and strong supple hands. 'Music of the Night' was beautifully sung, perfect diction and so clearly articulated throughout, as indeed is any song he sings. I love his Final Lair scene - that quietly uttered but sardonic 'Sir' as he bids Raoul be his guest. And finally, when Christine has left him and he is once more so lost and alone, the despair and anguish - oh, he broke my heart! Poor Phantom, poor lonely soul who only ever wanted love.

Silence as the curtain fell on Meg holding the white mask close to her face. Moments later there was deservedly great applause for the cast, then when Richard strode on for his bows, a huge roar of appreciation went sky-high from the audience and the cheers and whistles and clapping were long and sustained. He looked so happy and proud to be there, and had every right to be so!! Wish he was there more often.

So that was another truly wonderful show to add to my tally. I dearly wanted to tell him how much I had enjoyed his performance so wandered round to the stage door in the hope that he might come out for a breath of air between performances. And so he did! He is so utterly nice, so friendly and patient, witty and funny. We had a little chat and then wished each other a Happy New Year, and I went homeward bound as one very happy bunny.

 Now I can look forward to next February as Richard will be on for a whole week - yippee! He's just the greatest Phantom of the Opera!

 Jeanette (19 December 2001)

Well, my encounter with Richard Halton was... interesting... but more on that later. Yes, as I thought, I ended up seeing Richard Halton as the Phantom and Claire Louise Hammacott as Christine. I didn't actually realise that it was Richard Halton until the very end of the show, because - in my opinion (and probably just in my opinion) he sounds so similar to JOJO.

I did enjoy the graveyard scene, and I liked the way Richard brought out the rivalry between him and Raoul (Matthew Cammelle). Instead of being "sexy", PONR was rather scary - Richard always hid in the shadows during this scene and grabbed Christine at any chance...it was a good interpretation. Just like my overall impression of the performance, the final scene was average. It wasn't much of a big deal to me, but I guess it might have been to first-time viewers. Last year Scott Davies' final lair scene was VERY moving, and this just...wasn't. One good thing, however, is that Richard Halton was not shouty during the last scene, unlike Scott Davies, who shouted every second.

After the show I dragged along my friend and we waited outside the stage door to see if anyone came out. We couldn't recognise anyone and so I asked this woman how I could get the actors' autographs and she said, gesturing at this man next to her, "Well - the Phantom is right here." After Richard signed my programme, the woman had a great idea - she said that if my friend and I left our programmes in the room inside behind the stage door she'd get as many actors as possible to sign it. And what a great idea that was - when I returned an hour later, my programme had been signed by loads of people! It was signed by all of the ballet chorus, Mme Giry, Meg Giry, M. André, people from Hannibal, Don Juan and Il Muto AND - best of all (other than Richard Halton) - Raoul (Matthew Cammelle). The amount of autographs I got was phantastic - not bad for someone who's done that the first time. And I've got nice memories of Richard Halton now, who - despite not being my phave Phantom - is certainly very phriendly indeed. It was a great day out.

The Scorpion (December 2001)

Richard Halton As The Phantom Of The Opera.
Date Of Performance: Saturday, 5^th May 2001 Matinee.

It’s creeping up to a year since I saw Phantom and a lot of the day is coming back into my memory after a short absence.

Richard was performing as Scott Davies was unwell. I was a wee bit disappointed in not seeing Scott but not extremely disappointed. I knew that they wouldn’t cast just any talent for the role of the Phantom. They have to cast one of the best, so I knew as soon as I saw Richard’s name on the board in the foyer, that I wouldn’t be disappointed! And to tell you upfront I WASNT!

Richard’s portrayal of the Phantom was extremely wonderful to watch! His whole show was simply gorgeous! I think myself lucky to have seen such a fabulous talent for my first London theatre experience and my first Phantom experience. From the moment of him appearing in the mirror to the moment that he disappeared into the throne, I was in complete heaven!

The scenes I’ll remember the most are POTO, MOTN, Wandering Child, PONR and the Final Lair scene.....well, I think that is almost all of them that included Richard, but I can still see the gorgeous show in my mind.

I hope I get to see Richard in the role of the Phantom again sometime!

Bravo Mr Halton! Much luck for the future!

Hayley (December 2001)

Richard has been performing as the Phantom for the past 10 days while John's on holiday. I've had the amazing good fortune to see Richard in four performances, and I've just got to say that he is truly superb! Each performance was absolutely flawless - his wonderful voice, his stage presence, his tall slim figure, graceful hands etc etc - my Phantom in every way. Cor, I shall miss him terribly!!

Anyway, I asked Richard if I could set up a web site for him and he agreed - wow!! It's also given me the final push into buying a PC for home - I've dithered so long, but now I have the best of reasons to spend lots of loot!

Richard is a charming, friendly man, always willing to stop for a photo and a chat. When I left him last night at the stage door, he was surrounded by a large gaggle of excited young schoolgirls, and enjoying himself hugely!

Thanks, Richard, for being the best Phantom ever (for me)!

Jeanette (November 2001)

Together with Lavinia, I had the truly great pleasure of seeing Richard Halton play the Phantom again last Friday, a second time for me that week and something like the fourth for Lavinia. Richard was absolutely superb; he has a compellingly beautiful voice and wonderful stage presence. His Phantom is tall, elegant and effortlessly graceful, and he portrays with great emotion the hope and despair of the character, the anger and frustration, the contempt and scorn towards those who wish him harm, and of course his absolute love for Christine. His final lair scene is perfect; he doesn't rant or gallop about like a demented fool but indicates his scorn at Raoul's appearance with mocking derision, and then after the kiss, his heartbreak is shown more as a quietly weeping despair than with loud bawling sobs.

Richard received a huge, standing ovation as the audience roared out their appreciation. A truly wonderful performance... but it didn't end there for Lavinia and I! We had the phantastic thrill of being invited to his dressing room - albeit for a very short period as his dressers were waiting for him - and to take a couple of photographs while he was still in costume. I can only say that to come face to mask with the most romantic figure ever to grace the stage was one of the most truly awe-inspiring times of my whole life!

To walk into a softly-lit room and see before you - the Phantom of the Opera, looking as only this tall, gallant Phantom can look and oozing from every pore your every romantic thought and wish regarding this character - just unbelievable!

I've adored the Phantom for years and always will, and this experience will only reinforce the huge love I have for him by a thousandfold. Here's to Richard - a charming, friendly man who always has time for a chat, and the Phantom who made my dream become reality!

Jeanette (July 2001)

As you may know, I'm a huge fan of Richard. I saw the show on Wednesday, as he had invited me and my friend to see the show. Apart from the fact that he hadn't done any show in the last 4 months (as Scott is never off), and he had obviously watched the show with Scott again in the last days of the week before, I had no feeling of incompetence or whatever. He was simply amazing, commanding - to sum it up, your perfect Phantom.

I was terribly impressed with his Mirror this time too. On my occasion, he just took off the cloak (no swishy swooshy movements, but still, very gracefully, like the rest of his Phantom: it's just pure aristocracy).

Richard's Angel is utterly emotional and breathtaking.

He's at his best in the Lair, and on Wednesday even "lost it" as he told us afterwards, meaning he started to weep for real. Now, isn't that sooooooo sweet). I'm starting to sound like a fan, but the way he does the make your choice et al is just pure gold.

I think you're over-interpreting certain things. OK, there may have been something wrong during MOTN, but still, Richard is one of the most professional artists I've ever seen, and I can't imagine him losing energy or doing a lousy performance. He's just far too happy to be on, so why would he let it be ruined by such a minor technical hitch.

Sven (March 2001)
(so happy he saw the incredibly fabulous Richard again as the Phantom last week)

Last week, Scott was off so Richard did all the shows and of course now was the time to see this wonderful actor as the Phantom ! I had been waiting so long for this to happen, and yesterday's matinee I sat dead centre Front Row. WONDERFUL seat !!! (B10)

Anyway, it turned out to be an "understudies only" day, coz Charlotte, Matt, Scott of course, Shan Côthi, Lee David Bowen and Donald Francke were all off. The 2nd cover Christine was on (Ana Marina). She was quite good. I wasn't blown away but she was nice. She has a fresh voice and the acting was good in various scenes. Nicholas Maude was Raoul. Nothing special really. The voice is OK but he looks far too old and his acting is never above average. He has a funny face, which isn't always very effective in the more dramatic scenes.

Karen Broughton was Carlotta. I'd seen her already in April this year and she has a wonderful voice. Very beautiful, maybe a bit too nice for the role. Acting wise she misses some "edge", but still she's fine. Robin Green was Piangi. Nothing special, but he had a nice high C. He was a bit unsure acting wise though... David Fortune was doing Buquet, which was good.

OK, to the main point of attention: RICHARD !!! My goodness, can I just say he was awesome ?!! Lately, I have never ever been blown away by any Phantom, but now (my 25th time seeing the show BTW) I was dead ! His mirror was brilliant, the way he sings "to glance behind" in the title song must be heard to be believed and his MOTN was utterly breathtaking. Normally MOTN isn't really the highlight for me, but now it WAS. Really, from start to finish I was in complete adoration.

In the 2nd act it got even worse! His Wandering Child was wonderful: by the way he sang "Come to me strange angel", I'm amazed I'm still alive... From PONR onwards, I'd like to give you a review second by second, but alas I can't remember everything. It was brilliant ! The bench scene was intriguing.

He started the Final Lair quite violently. When Christine sang "This haunted face...", he picked up the flowers and before giving them to her, he wiped and blew away the "dust" on it. That was utterly funny. Wonderful ! And when Raoul came in, he was VERY sarcastic. Threw away the doll with a "salto mortale". The way he sat in the throne was gorgeous. His hands were playing Rachmaninov on the side of the throne. When he broke down after "You've passed the point...", he sort of hid himself behind the score at the organ, and when Christine started to sing again, he sort of came slowly from behind it and started to wrap the score with his hands, very nervously. FANTASTIC !!!!!

He also had a very nice way of pushing Christine to his body, very sensual, not violent at all. His "You try my patience" was very deep and "make your choice" was the most naturalistic way of saying this line I've ever heard. Wonderful stress on "choice". He was very calm before the Kiss (I would've liked him to do more there) but the Kiss itself was wonderful. He sort of bent his head after the first and the second kiss and put it slowly on Christine's shoulders. I was in tears !!!!!

He wasn't violent at all when he said "Go now"; instead he was thinking up something to save them, instead of just aggressively shouting like Scott does. His "and leaaaavvvveee meeeee" was pure gold: his voice was very emotional, without breaking though. When Christine came back, she gave him the ring and she held his arm instead of his hand, so when she left she slowly pulled her arm away, ever so slowly and he started crying. You can imagine the state I was in. His sobbing was never overacted and at the end of his "it's over now", he dropped the veil which came down very slowly (seemed ages, but of course he's very tall). The cloak almost flew in the audience when he wrapped it around himself, and then he was gone. And I was gone too.

He got a wonderful curtain call, with lots of cheers (including mine).

After the show, my friend and I went to say hi to him, and he came down in make-up. Of course I made a picture with him. He's such a lovely guy. It's only the 2nd week he was on since January this year, and I can tell you, he deserves to become the lead when Scott leaves.

Sven (November 2000)

IMHO Richard Halton is the most perfect embodiment of the (supposedly...) real Erik !!! More than any other Phantom I've ever seen in my pretty long "career". Even the mask seems to suit him beautifully, as if he had really been wearing it all his life! And Sir ALW can say how many times he wants that the Phantom has to be a tenor: he should listen how the character gains in charm and attractiveness when sung by such a strong baritone voice as Richard's! (sorry Michael Crawford & fans...). And then the acting! Richard was SO convincing, slightly more 'angry' than I remembered from the first time I saw him (last January) but never over the top. You are led to think that, damn, he is right to be upset, after all the misfortunes that he had to endure! He had some absolutely unique moments, added fantastic touches in every scene. More than ever I wished the Phantom were onstage much more time !!!

When Christine sang "This haunted face", he picked up the flowers and before giving them to her, he wiped and blew away the "dust" on it. It was rather so tragic, showed how long that bunch of flowers had been waiting to be given to the right person. Wonderful piece of acting!

There you really 'felt' that his whole world was crumbling, that nothing had sense anymore, not even his music... Another tragically magic moment.

He also had this way of resting his hands on C's hips at a certain moment, not grabbing her, just 'feeling' the contact with her body... I'm generally very disappointed with the "Kiss scene", for some reasons most Phantoms just "do too much". Richard's acting was as simple and natural as a kiss should always be. Superb.

I'm starting to light candles in view of the next cast change at Her Majesty's !!! I really wish more and more people could enjoy Richard Halton's fantastic talents.

That's it. Sorry for the swooning, but sometimes it's simply impossible to scale down one's amazement.

Eli (November 2000)

The second time was in January of this year as a birthday present, when I went down to London to see it at Her Majesty's. The Phantom was played by Richard Halton (who usually plays André), but he was so good, much better than I would have expected of an understudy

Katie (September 2000)

I was lucky enough to see the wonderful Richard Halton again last night, so here's a review.

Charlotte was on, also Matthew, and Christopher Blades playing André.

POTO: I loved the way he took the cloak off; drew it around himself in such a way that you hardly saw it leave his shoulders. He had the most overcome expression on his face; closed his eyes for a moment, and looked to be in utter ecstasy.

MOTN: A nice pause before he started '..night time...'; had a very thoughtful air about him, very effective. He lifted his left hand slowly as he sang 'silently..', stretching his right hand out to C on '..abandon..' As he sang '...your eyes..', standing at the organ, he lifted his left hand, and closed his fingers, looked marvellous, and had the most wonderful expression on his face. Drew both hands down his thighs on '..feel it..'

The way he moved off the portcullis was perfect, moved really beautifully, exactly how a Phantom should move; also I loved the way he held C, touched her side very gently.

When he'd placed the cloak over side, he moved his left hand in the air above her for a moment, very graceful. His last note of MOTN was perfect. He closed the fingers of his left hand slowly, after he stopped playing; and when the monkey started, he paused, and looked very thoughtful. Before he continued, he straightened the robe around himself.

On '..bear to look...' he closed his eyes, and then, opened them for a moment; then closed them again and kept them closed for a while, was so sweet and very effective. He moved across the stage quite slowly, to go to C, emphasised how upset he was.

Angel: Closed the fingers of his left hand quite forcefully when he reached the word '..betrayed..'. And when C and R started to sing, his left hand opened a bit, and went very still, hovering over the metal.

Mausoleum: Love the way he leans down, bends his legs, as he sings '..come to me angel of music..'- makes it even more emphatic, especially with that lovely voice.

PONR: He sung the whole song perfectly, and carried himself so beautifully; brought across all the sensuality of the scene. When he turned around, on the bench, he turned very quickly, moved his legs in an urgent fashion. As C sang, you could see him breathing, see his body moving ever so slightly. And the first time she actually touched him, when he tipped his head back you could feel how much he was enjoying it; he really got into the whole scene, moved C's hands right up and down his legs. He was drawing her right hand up his leg, as she felt his mask.

Was very sweet the way, after he gazed at her (when she'd lifted his hood back), as he turned slowly away he raised his hands. Held onto C's hands for a moment, after he'd given her the ring. Gave a completely anguished cry when she took his mask off, and then his hands went straight to his face, to cover it.

His '..Christine...why...why' was perfect again. He's the best at that line, of all the Phantoms I've seen.

Final Lair: He led C onto the stage, and this time, he was more sure of himself; kept very upright as he watched her, and seemed more in control. He cried out '..this face...' more softly this time, made a distressed movement with his right hand as he did. When he turned to his left, and started 'this face which..' the expression in his eyes was so adorable; you could see so much in his eyes, see all the memories going through them. And he then turned his head slowly to his right, to raise his right hand toward his face for '..a mask..'

Was nice the way he touched the top of C's veil, then the sides, to make sure it was perfect; and as he turned to get the flowers, he lifted his right hand, and made this sort of 'oh yes, and this!' movement with his fingers. Sweet. Really gazed at C when she said '...lies.'

This time, when he sat in the throne, after '..plea' he leant over as R spoke; and this time, he was amused by R, I could see the way his lips were moving. And then, he sat up, and after a moment leant over again; and as he did, looked all tense and upset. His left hand was moving in a distracted fashion after he sat down.

On '...sir' he bowed slightly to R, lovely. And when he clasped his hands behind his back, to get the lasso, he held the tailcoat in his hands a bit, the back of his tailcoat, very sweet. He unclasped his hands just as he reached that piece of scenery near the lasso.

When he went to the organ, he sat down, paused a moment, and then leant over as if he were totally exhausted. When C began to speak, he slowly looked up, so that he was looking up as she reached '..hate..'. He looked so shocked by it that he could hardly speak at all, and watched in this stunned fashion when she took the veil off.

Held her lovely and close as he sang '…so do you..'. When Charlotte tried to go to him again, she was kneeling, and reached out to him, so that he had to lean down to move her away from him. His lips were moving in this very tense fashion after he sat down again. Turned to look at R in a very meaningful fashion after '..patience'.

His reaction as C kissed him was lovely, his right arm went very slowly and uncertainly around her, to behind her back, he looked totally vulnerable. It felt like, the first kiss lasted a long time; because when that second 'big' note came (I'm sure there's a proper way to describe that!), Charlotte was moving to hug him.

Richard was very quiet after he fell near the monkey. He made a little sound as he sat up to look at it; and moved his hands in that adorable nervous fashion as he sang, moved his hands hesitantly around the monkey without touching it at first. The way he then lowered his head, and very quietly started to cry, was so heart-rending.

He went right up to C when he saw R, and when he saw the ring stopped, very suddenly. His '..Christine...I love you' was wonderful, one of the best I've seen for ages, and the way he held her hands was marvellous, can see Erik holding her hands exactly that way. When she moved he said '..no...' in that beautiful voice; then '.no..' as she moved away, falling to his knees.

He had his hands clasped together, gazing the way she had gone; his hands very near his face. He then moved his fingers slightly, put the ring on slowly, and kissed it. Was still kneeling when he turned and saw the veil.

Hurried to the veil, fell to his knees by it, lifted it to his face and cried in this tortured fashion; and he really reacted when C and R started to sing, got even more upset.

After his last line, he walked to the throne in such a graceful fashion, lifted his shoulders. Was as if he was determined not to be rushed by the mob.

Richard really is an incredible Phantom, and I am so ecstatic that the first two performances of the new millenium were his!!!

Nicola (January 2000)

The first performance of the new millenium at HM's tonight- and playing Erik was the adorable Richard Halton, which means there must be a god!!!!!

I didn't actually know Richard was on, I hadn't seen the cover slips, and when I heard his voice words cannot describe the feeling of euphoria.

Meredith was on, and Matthew. Christopher Blades was playing André, David Fortune playing Firmin.

Mirror: Sang '..insolent boy' wonderfully, loads of power and feeling. He kept the cloak completely wrapped around him initially, so that his arms were hidden in it.

POTO: He put the pole down in the boat very gracefully, laid it down very slowly. Loved the way he moved his shoulders as he drew his right hand back from C, and stretched his left hand out to draw her toward him. He never took his eyes from her, kept them on her as he took his hat off. Took the cloak off very well, drew it around himself, and then stroked both hands over the sides of his head. Had an incredibly passionate expression in his eyes as he asked her to sing. Shook his head ever so slightly in a sweet fashion as he sang '..my music..'

MOTN: On '..abandon their defences..' he reached out over the organ with his right hand, to turn C away, then drew his hand back and drew his left hand across him to his left.

He did a lovely movement on '..unfurls..', a slow, restrained graceful movement with both hands to above his head. Did '..grasp it..' with his left hand. His '..turn your face away...' was wonderful, sang it perfectly and moved his entire body beautifully as he stood beside her and touched her face. Very intense for '..feel it..', stroked his thigh with his right hand. He touched C ever so slightly, as he held her, drew his right hand very lightly up her side. When he took the cover off the mirror, did it in one movement, very elegant. His '..help me make..' was very sweet and passionate.

After he'd stopped composing initially, lifted his left hand for a long moment just after his fingers left the organ keys. He then sorted through the music sheets for a few moments, as if he were looking for something. Sobbed very quietly as he was sitting near the organ; he made a little sound which then sort of turned into a little sob. Sat up and reached up with his left hand as he sang '..heaven..'.

Angel: As he listened to C and R sing, he got more and more upset, moved his head and made agonised sounds; eventually moved his head so much that his hat fell off and went into the orchestra pit!

PONR: He sang the entire song beautifully, and carried himself in such a lovely fashion. Really was so wonderful to see that song done properly again (having had to watch Scott mutilate it the last two times). After he turned away from C on the bench, he bent quite far over, stayed still bent over a little after he turned around. When C touched him he leant back and gave this wonderful gasp of pleasure. He gazed at her for a long moment after she pulled his hood back, then turned around, his hands going to the ring. He stayed quite close to her, didn't moved too far away. And, after he gave her the ring, he kept hold of her hands as she put it on, really was lovely. Gave an utterly anguished cry when she took his mask off.

I may have mentioned before, that Richard's '..why...' is utterly perfect! He draws the sound right out so that his voice echoes right over the stage, it's exactly how that should be done.

Final Lair: He led C right onto the stage, and moved her away from him very intensely, made a sound as he did. He then stood back, bent over a little, and regarded her with this rather apprehensive expression, as she spoke; he looked very defensive. Gathered himself as he sang 'that fate which..' A lot of desire in his voice as he sang '..the joys of the flesh..', and reached out to her with a great deal of yearning.

When she turned, he looked very upset, then he turned to his left, and really cried out '..this face..', he almost sobbed it, and made a gesture with his right arm as he did. His '..this face which...' was very heart-breaking, had such a sad expression in his eyes; and on '..a mask..' he lifted his right hand and slowly drew it up toward his face, didn't touch.

He stayed still for a moment, after he'd put the veil on C, gazing at her; then re-arranged the veil a bit. Before he gave her the flowers, he blew on them, which was rather sweet.

Drew C close to him for '..wait..'. His '..I think..' had a lovely tone, quite quiet, lovely and sarcastic. After he sat down in the throne, as he started to speak, he leant over; wasn't sure whether he was upset, or amused by R. After Richard spoke to C, he leant over again; definitely looked upset that time, he was all tense. On '..monsieur I bid you...' he bowed ever so slightly to R, lovely little touch. Clasped his hands behind his back as he walked round to get the lasso.

When he sat at the organ, he leant over, putting his head right down to the music sheets, so you could see the back of his head. When Meredith sang '..hate' his head jerked up, and he reached out to her over the organ looking traumatised, said '..no...no...' to her (he said it very quietly). And when she started to take off the veil, he watched her with this truly horrified expression and tried to stop her, reached out again.

He leant right toward her as he said '..patience' - did that very well, just the right amount of intensity in the words. And when he stood waiting for her, stood very still and tense, looked so sweet.

His reaction as she kissed him was lovely; went quite still, his right arm going around her a little way. And when she hugged him, he looked so utterly sweet and vulnerable, C was virtually supporting him. Richard is definitely one of the best at this, gets it just right. He kissed her back during the second kiss; was still kissing her as she moved back, and then he looked all confused; could see he was still lost in the moment and was shocked to be brought out of it. He walked away very slowly, very emotional look in his eyes.

His '..take her..' was very sweet, and he really cried out '..hell', leant his head back against the throne as he did.

Fell right down near the monkey. Could hear him make a little sound as the monkey started to play. As he sat up to sing to it, he kept moving his hands around the monkey, on the left, in such an uncertain fashion, as if he were unsure how to touch it, so sweet. He touched the monkey's face with his right hand after a few moments, just he turned his head away a little. Then he let go, bent over, and started to cry very softly.

When he saw C, he looked so happy that he went right over to her, suddenly stopping short when he saw the ring. He held her hands in the sweetest fashion, really beautiful, and gazed at her so imploringly. As she left he said 'Christine...no' crying, and then fell to his knees, facing the direction she'd gone in. He then lifted the ring, and kissed it as he put it on.

He was still kneeling when he turned and saw the veil, then he got up, and went very quickly to it, knelt down again and lifted it, held it to his face and made agonised sounds in his throat.

Really is a wonderful Phantom, with such a lovely voice, I was so ecstatic to get to see him again.

He's a million times better than Scott, it must be said (and he's probably done less than 10 performances whereas Scott has been doing it for 2 years!)

Nicola (January 2000)

My friend (hello Jeanette!) was going to the afternoon performance and I rang the theatre to find out who would be playing Erik then, to be told that it would be Richard and that he would only be doing the afternoon performance. This sent me into a complete tizzy because I've been wanting to see him for ages. I decided to ask my boss what my workload would be like between 3:00 and 5:30 and he said it would be non-existent. I then asked if he would be willing to let me leave work early to go to the theatre. Amazingly he said "Yes, no problem" - what a wonderful man! I then got on to the box office and got one of the last 2 seats available (Dress Circle, second row) - they had only just been returned (God was definitely on my side)! This was at 2:02 and I was in my seat at 2:50 (if anyone says it is impossible to get seats quickly at HMT I'm going to smile knowingly!).

Anyway, back to why Richard is so great. When the first "Brava" sounded I thought "Whoa, his voice is very deep". Then I was so impatient to see him that I got annoyed with the 'slowness' of the show before he did. He looked almost regal when behind the mirror and his voice was so hypnotic. He certainly knows how to move elegantly/seductively and his cloak swing at the end of the travelator has to be seen to be believed. When he started MoTN I was lost - anything could have happened around me and I wouldn't have noticed. It was one of the best renditions I have heard of that song and the image I kept getting was of being wrapped up in a very soft, very thick duvet!

When he was at the top of the Masquerade steps I'm sure he stood there for longer than most Phantoms but he still made it onto the 10th step in time for the correct lyrics. During DJT he was very still, except when Christine brushed her hand on his - as she took hers away his fingers folded in on themselves as if to catch the touch again.

He really came into his own during the final lair. After "I bid you welcome" he walked towards the Punjab with his right hand behind his back and his left extended up in front of him before putting both hands behind his back, as if he felt really relaxed ("I'm here, in my home, so I can do what I like (to you) and I will"). His "You try my patience" was the best I've ever heard - so calm and so quiet, but with a hint of "I'm going to blow any second" and he did with "Make your choice". When C. kissed him he looked so bemused, but so happy it made me smile. When she'd finished he leant so far back as if in ecstasy that I thought he would fall. Then he quickly walked to the organ before turning and looking at her in complete puzzlement. Once C. and R. had gone he fell backwards onto the floor with quite a thud and just lay there sobbing. At this point the whole audience applauded and there was a wait until they'd stopped before he carried on (this is the first time I've heard this happen). When C. came back and handed him the ring he moved in so close that their faces were only a few inches apart (I was begging him to kiss her again, but alas no). As she left he moved forward then fell onto his knees, and leant forward as if praying to her to return. He then curled forward and kissed the ring a few times and at this point yours truly lost it (for someone to do that to me after so many shows they have to be good) - I also heard a few other sniffles from the audience! Thankfully I was able to get from my seat down to the stalls to give him the standing ovation he deserved. He was so close that I could see the sweat flying off him (almost hit me!) and when he saw it was me standing in the corner he gave me a huge grin! After only one viewing, he is now very high up on my favourite Phantom list. It's going to be very difficult seeing him as André again!

Having been to the show yesterday, my 100th performance will now be this Saturday's matinee instead of the evening (my 99th is tonight!) and I'm over the moon that the change has happened because of Richard!

End of ramble (had to get it off my chest to people who would understand!)

Lavinia (November 1999)

Some reviews of Garth and Richard. I'm sorry I haven't sent any long reviews recently, I haven't had a chance. I often write them the evening after a performance, and this becomes somewhat difficult if, er, one is at another performance the evening after.

I'll do tonight first; Richard was on, with Charlotte, Gordar, and Christopher Blades playing André. Probably Richard's 3rd performance, unless he's done any lately when I haven't been there.

Before he took his cloak off, sort of fiddled a bit too much behind his back. I know they have to do it to enable them to take it off, but can be done very subtly. He was looking towards the audience, as he sang '..close your eyes...purge your thoughts..'. I think a Phantom's eyes should be fixed on Christine at this point.

He sort of breathed 'feel it..' in a very effective fashion, and stroked his right thigh at the same time. Was standing a bit too 'upright' as he held her, could have done with leaning his head down toward hers a bit. Took the cover off the mirror very smoothly, and had a very nice look in his eyes, after the mannequin fell and he looked at C. Held the last note very nicely.

He moved across the stage towards C very low on the ground during '..fear can...'. Quite different to Garth, who stays more upright. I thought Richard moved away from the organ a bit too quick, I like a pause there. Did '..betrayed' very effectively on the angel, angry tone of voice and clenched his left fist. Came out onto the mausoleum with the violin, excellent.

The way he was moving his hands during '..say you'll want me with you...' was very sweet; held the ring with both hands as he approached her, so looked very imploring.

Lifted his right hand to the right hand side of his face during '..this face which...'. Mouthed '..no!' when C said '..hate', and then really reacted to her taking the veil off, looked horrified. Fell right down near the monkey, on his front; was quite quiet. Sang '..masquerade...' in a very sweet fashion. When he saw C, went to her and held his arms out a little as if he wanted to hold her. Said '..no...no' in a little choking voice as she moved away.

And, when he'd turned back, kissed the ring!! - so sweet.

Nicola (November 1999)

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