POTO LONDON 2026.03.16. REVIEW
I booked this date several months ago because Polly’s voice is so unlike to the Christines London had cast in the past few years I had to hear it myself
The ballet girls were delightful during Hannibal one of them kept flirting with the Slave master, Meg seemed much more focused than the rest of them.
Carlotta was so done with Reyer correcting Piangi
Christine and Meg had more big/little sister energy here, Millie is so youthful and excited as Meg and Polly doesn’t match her at all, she is acting more measured and mature even seems protective over Meg every time she starts to sing her famous “He is here!” lines
When Reyer shuts the TOM music score after a second Polly rage blinked for a few times, it was hilarious
Ashley is such an aristocrat Raoul, not boyish at all, gave me a little Philippe vibes from Leroux
Polly makes a little grimace before the “Things have changed Raoul” I found that interesting
Dean was apparently sick last week and it was unfortunately apparent in some of his notes, I am always conflicted about this man because he makes some really interesting acting choice at least twice in a show but completely zooms out between them
He nailed the cape swirl though and overall had great energy during the title song
Polly is really experiencing bliss during MOTN which I found interesting considering she is not really an overly smiley Christine for the rest of the show
Dean’s high notes were suffering a little here
Dean grabs her waist with vehemence during the portcullis scene and completely pulls her into him, this was the first time seeing him doing this
Christine’s expression is so flustered after it, really opened “Pandora’s box” there LoL
I would have loved a little more whiny and pathetic energy from Dean but he kept it simple
Ashley is so determined and slightly pissed off during Notes, he is done with the managers and Carlotta just wants to know about Christine
Joanna has this really sympathetic Carlotta who is genuinely afraid to lose her position and lashes out due to it rather than true malice, I am still conflicted about her voice though, Zoe’s vocals even in the ensemble really jump out compared to hers
Christine puts a distance between them during AIAOY before he makes his promises to her afterwards it’s very giggly
Polly has an extremely good Soar
During Notes II Raoul stands in front of Christine as he is reassuring her that they cannot make her sing, she nods behind him as if to signal to the others that Raoul has influence here.
So it’s really hits hard when he does his “don’t think I don’t care” and she slowly raises her head and gives him this completely emotionless cold stare.
They added the “You promised me” line from the restaged tour which is refreshing the silence Westend had there in the past few years was really weird.
Christine clutching the red scarf during Wishing, very grief and pain filled interpretation. It doesn’t feels like she is ready to move on
After Raoulstine ran away Dean shouted “Noo don’t go!!” I have never heard that before and thought it completely fits into Erik always meeting with the consequences of his own actions
PONR was good, is the boob grab and his hands on her bodice completely disappeared from the blocking? He is just hovering his hands
The bridge jump is back!! Very smoothly executed!
Dean’s Phantom knows he fucked up all throughout the final lair, his glee when seeing Raoul is forced and not real.
Polly put such a strong emphasis on “YOU have deceived me” like Erik betraying her trust hurt her more than the actual actions. It was similar to how she lost faith in Raoul in Notes II.
Raoul wasn’t really struggling on that rope unfortunately but his face during the kiss was pure disgust omg
Dean sniffing the veil and saying ily is very painful
The ring return was extended for a few seconds they just stood there holding hands
Christine sings her last verse to Erik, he turns back they seemingly lock eye for a second then she looks up to Raoul
Overall this was an enjoyable show with many little details to pick up on, but probably won’t go again before the cast change (as it costs me like 400£ to make this trip to London even with budgeting.)
theartofmadeline
jbbartram-illu
tangentwithtanner
germansingergirl
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