"Phantom Of The Opera" by Derby Youth Musical Theatre.

Derby Theatre.

OK, I'll try to keep this review within a million or so words; but I'm not promising anything.

Based on the French novel “Le Fantôme de l'Opéra” by Gaston Leroux, tis the story of the theatre phantom who falls for the beautiful opera singer, Christine Daae, his love turns to obsession and holds the theatre staff to ransom until they do as he says so that he gets the girl, but because he loves her so much, he then lets her go to be with the one she really loves, Raoul. Yes it's the age old love triangle, Phantom falls in love, Phantom wins the girl, girl falls in love with non Phantom, and Phantom loses girl.

That's the story in a nutshell but a nutshell that earned Sir Lloyd-Webber a pretty packet and a few more hit songs under his belt. Memorable songs like "The Music Of The Night", "All I Ask Of You", "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again", "Think Of Me" as well as the dramatic title song.

This is a wonderful production and the work that has gone into producing it really shows. From the scenery, special effects, the brilliantly creative lighting, the brilliant orchestra, and the sound, to the actors that pull it all together on stage, it's a joy to behold.

The performing rights to this Andrew Lloyd-Webber classic were only released to amateur groups in 2013 but since then it’s been performed thousands of times over, giving local theatre companies a chance to show off their talented vocalists, just like tonight.

Here's a question for you?

What's the difference between a West End production of "Phantom" and this production?

Answer: As far as I could see, NOTHING!

Louis Chadburn takes on the role of The Phantom. I have seen this young man's talent grow and grow over the years, and this is just another step of a very long and success filled ladder that Louis is on. His voice is incredible for someone so young and full of passion, as well as control and power. When I first heard that unworldly voice on Thursday night, I went cold, and that was just the start of an evening of tingles from several members of this out of this world cast. Louis completely embodied this beautifully marred character. The yearning for love and to be accepted and the hurt that the Phantom gave out was one of the most powerful and emotional performance that I have seen of the Phantom EVER!!! It is so hard to put into words the passion and the hunger that Louis gave out in character, and the way his performance made you feel, and that incredible voice he has.

The lovely thing about Louis is that he doesn't realise just how good he is. His modesty when chatting to him is something quite rare but he is always willing to "big up" those around him.

Christine is played by Katie Chamberlain. What a voice this young lady has. Her voice simply soars as she hits every high note, and made me see past the actor to appreciate the character of Christine. Her version of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" will make your spine tingle. There are some nice comedy moments provided by Katie, but that voice just reaches the parts that other voices fail to penetrate. This is Katie's debut for Derby Youth Musical theatre, and what a way to make your debut for a theatre group.

Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny is played by Lucas Shirtcliffe. There's a chance that I may just be repeating myself by telling you that everyone has an incredible voice, but Lucas also has a wonderful voice. His duet with Katie on "All I Ask Of You" is so much better than the Cliff Richard/Sarah Brightman hit version. These actors perform with great passion and Lucas puts everything into this role. I remember Lucas from playing Mr Maddens in "Nativity the Musical" and commented then what a good character actor he is, and this role reinforces my opinion of that. 

Monsieur Firmin is played by another young actor that I have a lot of time for, Findlay Parker, a young man of sixteen, and like Louis, doesn't realise just how good he is. Findlay is a wonderful comedy character actor, and this role is another perfect vehicle for him. He has a wonderful way of acting with his face, at times he does not even need to say anything to get a reaction from the audience, and his timing for comedy is something that so many actors of his age just do not have. And you know what I'm going to say about his voice!

Monsieur Andre is played by Ben Mather. From Gordon Shakespeare to this role, both really lovely comedy roles, and this role as one of the two new owners of the Opera Theatre, along with Monsieur Firmin, a well paired duo of actors. Their songs were akin to the likes of Gilbert & Sullivan, and Findlay and Ben parry well with these lyrics.

Madame Firmin is played by Bella Syson and Madame Andre is played by Maiya Bowles.

Carlotta Guidicelli is played by Imogen Clark and Ubaldo Piangi is played by Billy Sweet. These two characters play the arrogant stars of the opera, and both have extremely strong voices. This pair also add to the comedy element of "Phantom", not least in Piangi's pronounced pronunciation of the word "Rome", or should that be "Roma"? Another brilliant piece of casting with Imogen and Billy.

Madame Giry is played by Evie Radmore, and I wouldn't have known that this was Evie if I hadn't checked the programme. Madame Giry is the very strict taskmaster, in charge of the dancers at the Opera Theatre, who also knows the secret of the mysterious Phantom, and knows that he is one not to be disobeyed. Incredibly mature and controlled performance.

Meg Giry is played by Olivia Bonham. Now, I have known Olivia for a few years now, so I knew that, with Olivia's skills as a dancer and a singer, this would be a magical performance. Olivia certainly didn't disappoint in my expectations of this character, and of Olivia's talents.

Joseph Buquet, the chief stagehand, is played frighteningly well by Daniel Pimperton. This is quite a scary role and leaves you feeling quite unnerved, especially in the way that he enjoys frightening the dancers with tales of the Phantom, who he claims to have seen. It seems though that most who see the Phantom soon also kick the Buquet, especially if you hang around long enough!! Daniel also doubles up his roles playing Passarino, Don Juan's right hand man in the opera, "Don Juan Triumphant" within the Phantom musical.

Monsieur Lefevre, the previous owner of the theatre, is played by Thomas Smith. You can almost see the look of relief as soon as Firmin and Andre take over, and can't get out of there quick enough!

Oscar Drake plays Monsieur Reyer, the conductor and what would have been the MD of the Opera Theatre's chorus. Wonderfully authoritative keeping Piangi and Carlotta in line, musically.

The Auctioneer, who we see at the very start of the musical, selling off items from the old theatre, and Don Attilio, the male lead in the mock opera "Il Muto" within Phantom, are played by Evan Hagan.

The Confidentes in "Il Muto" are played by Eleanor Craven, Phoebe Litherland and Bella Syson.

The Porters, who bring in the auction lots are played by Fraser Fowkes and Teddy Osborn. Fraser also plays the Chief Fire Officer while Teddy and Thomas Smith play the Fire Marshals.

The Corps de Ballet consist of Emily Box, Hattie Campion, Laila Cook, Beth Crew, Millie Dalziel, Isobel Eaglesfield, Beth Johnson, Emilia Shapcott, Caitlin Smith, Molly Stevenson and Bella Syson. Some lovely ballet performed by this section of the cast.

The ensemble is made up of Maiya Bowles, Hattie Campion, Eleanor Craven, Beth Crew, Millie Dalziel, Oscar drake, Fraser Fowkes, Evan Hagan, Katie Kirk, Phoebe Litherland, Teddy Osborn, Daniel Pimperton, Lilliana Simons-Clark, Bella Syson, Thomas Smith, Lewis Taylor and Imogen Wilcox-Jones.

Directed by Charlotte Daniel and Caroline Green. I really don't have to say anything here because this cast reflect everything that these Directors have done to create a performance like this. Even I was gobsmacked when the Phantom just seemed to disappear from the middle of the stage when the cast scattered. It is probably the best performance of "Phantom Of The Opera" that I have seen on stage. Matt Powell and Pete Waters are Associate Directors.

Choreographed by Caroline Green, assisted by Ellie Beech. The ballet sequences are beautifully relaxing to watch, and the faster choreography just sweeps you along with the story. As with the musical direction side of the show, the excellence provided by the production team is always magnified by the performers, and this cast shone in every aspect of the show.

Musical Director is Charlotte Daniel. Technically this score is not easy as there are, at times several different actors performing several different lyrics, and the layers of lyrics have to be timed to perfection. The score is operatic, let's not forget that, and singing opera is very different to singing musical theatre; it's a whole different way of singing, breathing and acting in song. Charlotte is an incredible talent in this area and, once again, the proof of the work that has gone into the music side of this show is presented by the cast in a slick and professional way.

There is a wonderful seventeen piece orchestra on stage as well, who sound absolutely amazing, conducted by Tim Robinson. The sound  that they create is gorgeous, complimenting these ridiculously talented young singers perfectly, and let's not forget, these singers range from just thirteen to twenty one years old. 

I have said that this show is one of the most technical musicals to stage and Chris Moss is the Technical Director. 

There is a brilliant video design which accompanies this show, and with a stage as big as Derby Theatre, the video design that goes along with this show looks amazing. Matt Powell is responsible for this area of excellence.

The Set Design is by Charlotte Daniel and Chris Moss. The orchestra is incorporated within the set, looking completely natural as part of the Opera Theatre set up. There's a mezzanine area which allows the Phantom to escape into his area of the theatre, and down a set of steps back onto the stage. I love that the vessel to transport Christine and The Phantom into his underworld actually appears to glide around the stage like a boat, sailing on a sea of fog. Everything has been thought of in this production.

Costumes are by Judith Evans, assisted by Joy Borrington and Caroline Green, and don't they all look amazing, I won't start to describe them as that may just take you an extra ten minutes to read; let's just say that you will not be disappointed with the work that has gone into the design and creation.

Sound designer is Andy Onion, and while there were just the odd missed mic cue, I think we can forgive that on opening night. There would have been danger of the orchestra slightly swamping the vocals, had the vocals not been as strong and powerful as they were. Sound is always slightly hit and miss on opening night because when there's a full auditorium, the sound can bounce, so it takes someone who is adept at the technical side of sound to balance everything naturally. Needless to say, I loved the atmosphere, power and energy the sound mix created, and this theatre is a big one! Katie Harrison and Jack Clark did a fantastic job on sound.

Lighting design is by Jamie Vella. With this being a dark tale, a lot of the lighting is creating shadows, especially where the Phantom is concerned. With the opera performances within the musical, the brightness and brilliance of colour is used to excellent affect to create a lighter atmosphere. All lighting is well executed.

I also must mention the Stage Manager Pete Roberts plus Chris Moss, Reece Bland, Kate Borrington, Abi Burns, Rachel Chester, John Howarth, Izzy Longson, Gabryl Oleshko and Lauren Wells for their work backstage and the smooth running of this show.

I think that I can safely say that this production is a whopping big success with the audience who were there on Thursday night. A full theatre standing ovation is something that you cannot argue with, and it was so lovely to see the reactions of some of the cast when they took their final bows to that sort of reception.

"Phantom Of The Opera" is playing at Derby Theatre until Sunday 10 November, but hurry because tickets are disappearing as quick as a phantom.