There are certain nights you know will stay in your heart forever – not because they were grand or extravagant, but because they were shared with people you love.
This evening was one of those nights.
I had the joy of bringing my little brother to see one of my all-time favorite theatre productions, The Phantom of the Opera, at the legendary His Majesty’s Theatre in London. We went with our friends Nick and Cristina, and for my brother, it was his very first theatre experience.
A Quick Dinner Before the Show
Before the curtain rose, we made a quick stop at Japan Centre for a casual dinner. Over steaming bowls of ramen and crispy tempura, I could see his excitement growing. He had been asking me questions about the show all week, and in true “big sister” fashion, I had made him read about the plot beforehand so he could really enjoy it.
I couldn’t help but smile – here was the same boy who, in the past, would always say theatre “wasn’t his thing” and would choose hanging out with friends over coming with me. Yet tonight, he was buzzing with anticipation.
A Return to My London Ritual
Back when I was working in London, theatre nights were my little slice of joy. My office was just a short walk from the West End, and sometimes after work I’d grab a quick dinner and spontaneously buy a ticket to a show.
That part of London is magical – the warm glow of theatre marquees, the hum of the crowd, and the promise of being transported to another world for a few hours.
The Phantom of the Opera was always a special favorite of mine. I’ve seen it more times than I can count, yet it never loses its magic. The soaring music, the elaborate sets, the haunting romance – it’s the kind of show that wraps around you like a dream.
His Majesty’s Theatre: A Historic London Landmark
Walking into His Majesty’s Theatre that night brought back so many memories. My brother, wide-eyed, immediately noticed the ornate architecture and intricate interior.
Built in 1897 by architect Charles J. Phipps for actor-manager Herbert Beerbohm Tree, the theatre has a long and fascinating history. Tree, who also founded the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) here, turned the venue into a home for grand Shakespearean productions and premieres by literary giants like Bernard Shaw and Noël Coward.
But the site’s theatrical history goes back even further – to 1705, when it was first established as the Queen’s Theatre by architect and playwright John Vanbrugh. Over the centuries, it’s hosted operas by Handel, Mozart’s London premieres, ballets, and large-scale musicals. The building standing today is actually the fourth on the site, and since 1986, it has been the home of The Phantom of the Opera.
One quirky detail: the theatre’s name changes depending on the monarch’s gender. It was Her Majesty’s Theatre for most of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, but reverted to His Majesty’s Theatre in May 2023 when King Charles III took the throne.
Settling Into Our Seats
After passing through security and having our tickets scanned, we were guided to our seats – a perfect view of the stage. I glanced over at my brother. His eyes were scanning every detail: the golden accents on the balcony, the plush red velvet seats, the intricate ceiling.
“This place is beautiful,” he whispered.
And I thought – yes, it really is. But what makes it even more beautiful is sharing it with someone seeing it for the first time.
The Curtain Rises: A Haunting Beginning
The lights dimmed. The famous auction scene began.
“In the year 1919, the Paris Opéra House hosts an auction of old theatre memorabilia…”
The auctioneer introduced the mysterious chandelier — “Lot 666” — hinting at the tragedy that had taken place. As the overture began, the chandelier flickered to life and soared above the audience, transforming the theatre into the grand Paris Opera House of the past.
I glanced at my brother — his eyes were wide, his mouth slightly open. Goosebumps, he told me later. Especially in that opening moment.
The Phantom of the Opera: A Timeless Masterpiece
For those who haven’t seen it, The Phantom of the Opera is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux. It tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano who becomes the obsession of a mysterious musical genius known only as the Phantom, who lives in the labyrinth beneath the Paris Opera House.
The show opened in London’s West End in 1986 and on Broadway in 1988, winning the Olivier Award and Tony Award for Best Musical. It has been performed in 183 cities across 41 countries, seen by over 140 million people, and was the most financially successful entertainment event in history until The Lion King overtook it.
What makes it so enduring? The answer is simple: the music, the romance, and the spectacle. From “The Music of the Night” to “All I Ask of You,” each song pulls you deeper into the Phantom’s world.
The Boat Scene: My Personal Favorite
Every time I see The Phantom of the Opera, there’s one scene that gives me chills no matter how often I’ve watched it – the famous boat scene.
Christine is hypnotized by the Phantom’s voice, drawn into his underground lair. As the mist swirls and candles rise from the water, the Phantom leads her across a subterranean lake in a small boat.
The combination of music, lighting, and Victorian stage machinery is breathtaking. My brother leaned forward in his seat, whispering “Wow…” under his breath. And that’s when I knew — the magic of theatre had captured him.
Why First Theatre Experiences Matter
As much as I adore theatre for the art itself, there’s something extra special about sharing that magic with someone for the first time.
When you see a show through their eyes, you notice things again – the thrill of the curtain rising, the first swell of the orchestra, the awe of elaborate set changes. You remember why you fell in love with it in the first place.
After the final curtain call, my brother turned to me and said, “How can I see more shows like this?” I laughed, remembering how I had tried to convince him for years to come with me. Tonight, the West End had won him over.
Post-Show Reflections
As we walked out into the cool London night, the streets were alive with theatre-goers chatting about their evenings. My brother was full of questions – about the actors, the set changes, the history of the show.
I felt grateful. Grateful for the time together. Grateful for the shared experience. And grateful for London’s vibrant theatre scene that makes moments like this possible.
