Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Celebrate the musicals of the night in a truly spellbinding evening for musical theatre lovers. The Phantoms deliver a fantastic concert that brings to life stage and screen classics with vibrant energy and stellar vocals.
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| Aaron Pryce-Lewis, Simon Whitaker and Lee Mead. |
From the dramatic heights of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to the soaring harmonies of Wicked, Moulin Rouge, and West Side Story, the vocal arrangements throughout the night are nothing short of spectacular. Hearing former West End Phantoms Simon Whitaker and Aaron Pryce-Lewis and Stage and screen star Lee Mead come together created spine-tingling close-part harmonies and solo performances that easily justified the standing ovations. The trio is joined by Emily Estelle, who provides dazzling soprano vocals.
The show opened with a couple of numbers from West Side Story, and that really set the tone for what was to follow. The evening featured some of musical theatre's most beloved songs. Ranging from 'This Is The Moment' sung stunningly by Aaron Pyrce-Lewis, a Les Mis medley, and a magnificent rendition of 'Defying Gravity' sung by all three of the gents.
A standout is undoubtedly when Lee Mead dons his actual coat from his time in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and performs 'Close Every Door' and 'Any Dream Will Do'. Though it's frightening to think that next year it will be 20 years since Lee won the BBC's Any Dream Will Do.
The real highlight is The Phantom of the Opera sections, one in the first half and another to close the show. From the titular song, 'Music of the Night', 'All I Ask of You' and more, it's a real thrill to hear these songs sung so well by the cast.
Throughout the show, the vocals are pitch-perfect across the board. There's also a great sense of fun between the performers; clearly they are relishing this tour and singing these songs. That energy feeds into the audience, who lap up song after song, giving a thunderous round of applause each time.
The only minor problem was the lighting; an often bright screen, haze, or strong backlighting meant the performers weren't always lit well. There were a few moments where it felt like the performers were silhouettes performing without the spotlight they could have had. Another minor quibble is the lack of live musicians, but the back tracks do the musical numbers justice.
Whether you're a lifelong theatre devotee or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, The Phantoms deliver a masterclass in vocal power. Blending show-stopping solos and lush harmonies, this concert is a breathtaking love letter to the stage; one that will leave you humming its melodies long after the final curtain falls.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Phantoms tours until 7th November 2026. The show visits;
Hull, Harrogate, Manchester, Nottingham, Wellingborough, London, Worcester, Weymouth, Eastbourne, Dunstable, Chelmsford, Guildford, Solihull, Dudley, Clacton, Weston-Super-Mare, Bournemouth, Exmouth, Cheltenham, Blackpool, Portsmouth, Yeovil, Babbacombe, Bath, Swindon, Ramsgate, Lowestoft, Leamington and Ipswich.
For full dates and booking information https://www.d3productions.co.uk/the-phantoms
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| Emily Estelle and Lee Mead |
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