'The Phantom of the Opera' through the eyes of a musical fan Nathan

The iconic musical The Phantom of the Opera, created by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is hailed worldwide as a masterpiece. Nathan Daeche-Green has seen the show twice in London’s West End and is eagerly anticipating its upcoming performances in Antwerp.

"The Phantom of the Opera is about forbidden love, obsession, and the pursuit of perfection, but it also delves into self-reflection and finding a deeper purpose," Nathan explains. "The story has many layers. You can simply enjoy the music and spectacular sets, or you can explore the deeper meaning behind the Phantom's character."

The story is set in an opera house, where the Phantom—a mysterious figure living in its underground tunnels—falls in love with Christine, a young singer with an extraordinary voice. Driven by obsession, he sabotages opera performances and demands money from the theater managers. The audience is drawn into a world of drama, suspense, and emotion.

One of the show’s most iconic moments is the crashing chandelier. "That scene is pure magic. It’s incredible how the production completely immerses the audience. From the opening auction of old props, you feel transported to another world," Nathan shares.

In addition to the stunning effects and stage design, Nathan enjoys the humor in the musical. "The divas—who think they’re the stars of the show—add some funny moments. And the costumes and choreography in the ‘Masquerade’ scene are truly spectacular."

Nathan emphasizes that the music of The Phantom of the Opera resonates even with those who don’t usually enjoy musicals. "Because the story is set in an opera house, the music feels entirely natural. The songs beautifully enhance the narrative."

What makes the Antwerp production particularly special is that the musical will be performed in its original English version. "It’s rare to experience the nuances of the original text and music. It adds an extra layer of authenticity," Nathan notes.

Finally, he highlights how inspiring a production of this caliber can be: "As a child, West End shows inspired me to pursue a theater education. I hope this production will have a similar impact on audiences in Belgium."

The Phantom of the Opera premieres at Stadsschouwburg Antwerpen on February 6, 2025.