Was in the audience at Queens Theatre the evening it was shown live (and filmed) around the country in cinemas. Amazing experience. I'd seen it 3 times previously in that short run with Alfie Boe, Michael Ball etc. And have seen it numerous times in the West End, at the Palace Theatre and at Queens Theatre.
The film with Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman is good, but that's because I can spot several of the actors who were in the West End show at the time (2012) and were given roles in the film .. (including Killian Donnelly as the student Combeferre and is currently Phantom of the Opera in London). And I attended a talk at the Barbican given by Eve Stewart, the Art Director who gave some background to the film, which was interesting. Hugh Jackman walking through the sewers - that was a special mud and very expensive ... And the women in the factory threading Rosary beads - the beads were too loud in the filming, and they had to get special beads.
Yeah, it's a great show. Most recently they've pared back the orchestra, which is a shame -
AuntieEleanorscat
it is a growl rather than opera