From Monday 7 September 2015, there will be major cast changes in the smash hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End.
John Owen-Jones returns as ‘The Phantom’ from Monday 7 September 2015 having most recently played the part in the spectacular new production of the show on tour in the UK. He has played the role more times than any other actor in the West End production’s history. John has also played the role of ‘Jean Valjean’ in “Les Misérables” in the West End, on the 25th anniversary tour and on Broadway. He was the first British actor to play the role in the West End and on Broadway. He most recently appeared as ‘Pirelli’ in the English National Opera production of “Sweeney Todd”. He will play the role of ‘The Phantom’ until Saturday 30 January 2016.
Ben Forster will play the role of ‘The Phantom’ from Monday 1 February 2016. Ben is probably best known for winning the ITV1 show, ‘Superstar’ – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s TV talent search for ‘Jesus’ in “Jesus Christ Superstar”. His other theatre credits include ‘Magaldi’ in “Evita” at the Dominion Theatre. Ben will join “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” following his appearance later this year as ‘Buddy’ in “Elf The Musical” also at the Dominion Theatre.
They are joined by Celinde Schoenmaker as ‘Christine Daaé’; Nadim Naaman as ‘Raoul’, Michael Matus as ‘Monsieur Firmin’ and Christopher Dickens as ‘Monsieur André’.
Continuing their roles are: Lara Martins as ‘Carlotta’; Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Madame Giry’; John Ellisas ‘Piangi’ and Alicia Beck as ‘Meg’. Emmi Christensson will continue as the alternate ‘Christine Daaé’ until June 2016 when Lisa-Anne Wood takes over the role.
Celinde Schoenmaker has just finished playing the role of ‘Fantine’ in “Les Misérables” at The Queen’s Theatre, having made her West End debut in 2013. Previously she played ‘Jenny’ in a production of “Love Story” which toured Holland.
Nadim Naaman returns to “The Phantom of the Opera” having appeared in the production from 2010 to 2012. He most recently appeared as ‘Charles Clarke’ in “Titanic” at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. His London theatre credits include ‘Anthony Hope’ in “Sweeney Todd” at Harrington’s Pie & Mash Shop, “One Man, Two Guvnors” at The National Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket and “The Sound of Music” at the London Palladium.
Michael Matus recently played ‘Fernando’ in “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” at the Playhouse Theatre. Other theatre credits include “The Sound of Music” at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre; “Yes Prime Minister” on UK Tour; “Lend Me A Tenor” at the Gielgud Theatre and Theatre Royal Plymouth; “Oklahoma” at The Chichester Festival Theatre and “Imagine This” at the New London Theatre.
Christopher Dickens’ West End credits include “War Horse”; “Blood Brothers”; “The Sound of Music”; “The Far Pavilions” and “Salad Days”. Other theatre credits include “The Threepenny Opera” (National Theatre), “The Secret Garden” (Birmingham Rep) and “Mary Poppins” on tour.
From 7 September 2015 the full cast will be: Zoe Arshamian; Charlotte Baptie; Alicia Beck; Kieran Brown; Emmi Christensson; Scott Davies; Hadrian Delacey; Christopher Dickins; Meshell Dillon; John Ellis; Lyndsey Gardiner; Ryan Goscinski; Philip Griffiths; Keith Higham; Lizzie Holmes; Lily Howes; Daisy Hulbert; Ellen Jackson; Tim Laurenti; Rhidian Marc; Lara Martins; Michael Matus; Leo Miles; Tim Morgan; Fiona Morley; Paul Morrissey; Jacinta Mulcahy; Richard Munday; Nadim Naaman; Joanna O’Hare; John Owen Jones; Simon Rackley; Celinde Schoenmaker; Danielle Stephens; Ashley Stillburn; Claire Tilling: Charlotte Vaughan; Georgia Ware and Lisa-Anne Wood.