Bailey and Beck Join UK's 'Phantom' Cast As It Approaches 22nd Birthday

 There will be major cast changes from Monday 8 September in the smash hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, which recently played its 9000th performance and which will celebrate its 22nd birthday on Thursday 9 October.  

Gina Beck, who has previously played the role of 'Cosette' in "Les Misérables" will star as 'Christine', and Simon Bailey, a member of Teatro, will play 'Raoul'. Teatro achieved their gold album within four weeks of the release of their eponymous debut album. Simon's previous West End shows include "Les Misérables" & "We Will Rock You". Barry James and Gareth Snook will play 'Monsieur Firmin' & 'Monsieur André'. Barry's many West End credits include "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Disney's Beauty and the Beast", "Chicago" and, most recently, "Cabaret". Gareth's previous credits include "Assassins" & "Company" at the Donmar Warehouse, and he created the role of 'Artie Green' in "Sunset Boulevard". Kate Radmilovic, who will play 'Carlotta', will be making her West End stage debut. In opera, her roles have included 'Violetta' in "La Traviata", 'Mimi' in "La Boheme", & 'Elvira' in "Don Giovanni". Rohan Tickell returns to the role of 'Piangi', having previously appeared in "Mamma Mia!" & "Whistle Down The Wind" in the West End. Tori Johns, who trained with The Royal Ballet School, is making her West End stage debut in the role of 'Meg Giry'.  

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" will continue to star Ramin Karimloo as 'The Phantom' and Heather Jackson as 'Madame Giry'. Robyn North will continue to play the role of 'Christine' at certain performances.

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" became the longest running show in Broadway history on 9 January 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance, surpassing the previous record holder "Cats".  This coincided with the Broadway and the US national touring company celebrating an unprecedented 20,000 performances in the United States.   

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" has won over 50 major theatre awards, including seven Tonys on Broadway and three Olivier Awards in the West End.  It won the 'Most Popular Musical Audience Award', voted by the public, in the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards.  "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA", which opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 October 1986 starring Michael Crawford as 'The Phantom', Sarah Brightman as 'Christine' and Steve Barton as 'Raoul', is directed by Harold Prince and is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Limited.  

Worldwide, "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" has grossed over £1.7 billion. The box office revenues are higher than any film or stage play in history, including "Titanic", "ET" and "Star Wars".  It has been seen in 124 cities in 25 countries and played to over 100 million people.  "THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" is currently showing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas, Singapore and Osaka. A touring production is playing at venues throughout the US and in Australia.

"THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA" is currently booking in London until 25 April 2009. Performance times for the London production are Mondays to Saturdays at 7.30pm, with Tuesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.  Tickets are priced from £20.00-£55.00 and are available from Her Majesty's Theatre box office on 0870 890 1106.