This week we bring you Kathryn’s fan blog…

As a child and growing up, various aspects of The Phantom of the Opera musical entered my consciousness, drip by drip – long before I had any concept of what it actually was. From someone catching my eye, wearing a sweatshirt with a glow-in-the-dark mask on it – a memento from them having just seen the production, of which at that time, I had no knowledge of; to hearing a boy sing “Phantom of the Opera” on a Saturday morning TV programme; and a girl on children’s Stars In Their Eyes singing “Think of Me” in the style of Sarah Brightman; to adoring listening to Michael Crawford tapes with my Mum, which had “Music of the Night” on them. I was a Phan even before I realised it!

In May 2008 I saw the London production of the show for the very first time, on an excited whim. Hooked from the off, this show encapsulates everything I love – a wonderful, emotive musical piece of love and passion, the balance of light & dark, set against an enchanting backdrop of Gothic marvellousness, candlelight and the world of ballet and theatre. Since then, I have been fortunate to see the show a further four times. Every performance leaves you mesmerized & euphoric; but with that slight ‘if only’ feeling at the end of the show; wondering what became of the Phantom, Christine and Raoul. Like finishing a good book & wishing there was just one more chapter; one more scene in your favourite film…but knowing that sadly, that was all; consoling yourself with the memories and imaginings.

But now, we get a chance to spoil ourselves, continue living that dream, indulge once more in pure decadence and fill up on almost ‘too much perfection’. Love Never Dies has arrived! We WILL know what has transpired in the 10 years since Erik flew from his cavernous lair; what became of our characters with which we are so enamoured. We again get to hold our breath and submerge ourselves in the spectacular and magical realm of the Maestro, the Phantom.

I simply cannot wait until the show! The excerpts that we have been treated to already conjure up a heady maelstrom of rapturous intrigue; not least the exquisite “Til I Hear You Sing” brought to life by the supremely talented and charismatic Ramin Karimloo. The drudgery of menial daily tasks and normal day to day life must carry on, but at the moment, my head is in the clouds, thinking ahead to the 3rd March, when I will blissfully take my seat for the new show. (The question is, how soon is too soon to book another ticket?! ). Adelphi here I come!