The Phantom of the Opera (Handa Opera), at Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Superlatives can’t do justice to a magnificent Handa Opera production of The Phantom of the Opera on its 40^th anniversary.

With the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as a spectacular backdrop, the leads are glorious, the chorus captivating and the production values mesmerising.   

Photos by Daniel Boud and Carlita Sari

As far as the staging goes, only outdoors could you achieve the gobsmacking feats seen on Sydney Harbour.

I speak of a massive, four-tiered chandelier risen and “dropped” by crane, a semi-circle of fire beckoning the arrival of a gondola and two tranches of fireworks.

That is not to overlook a massive sweeping staircase and a “slice” of opera theatre VIP boxes. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterful work continues to entice and excite by stirring the soul.

After a prologue involving a Paris Opera House auction in 1919, the story turns back the clock to events at the grand opera in 1881.

As the cast is preparing for a new production of Hannibal, the opera house owner/manager announces his retirement.

For three years “accidents” have been happening regularly at the theatre and now there is another near miss, which is blamed on “the opera ghost”. 

The resident soprano Carlotta Giudicelli storms out.

Rather than cancel a sold-out performance, a young chorus girl with a well-trained golden voice, Christine Daae, steps in.

The opera’s new patron Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny recognises Christine from their childhood and begins to woo her.

Her vocalisation has been shaped by a gifted composer, a grossly disfigured man whose full face she has never seen.

It is his (The Phantom of the Opera’s) jealousy that informs the rest of the narrative, as he casts a large shadow over all future productions at the opera house.

I am in awe of the phenomenal new talent that is baritone Jake Lyle, a 22-year-old Queenslander who tackles the pivotal role as the Phantom.

His depth of feeling and gravitas are outstanding. He inhabits the character as if it had been created for him.

Cast as the Phantom’s charge, Christine Daae, is exceptional Australian/American soprano Amy Manford, who, too, has made the part her own. 

Her passion for and conviction in the persona have previously been seen and heard in Australia and in London’s West End.

This is a performer at the top of her game, who is utterly enchanting.

Jarrod Draper, who featured in Opera Australia’s Sunset Boulevard, excels as the man who competes with the Phantom for Christine’s affection.

Going toe to toe with the disfigured manipulator in Act II is one of the many highlights of the Handa Opera. 

Brent Hill and Martin Crewes lean into and ensure they have fun with their roles as Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre respectively.

The new opera house managers/owners are at first delighted to have bought control of the company, but quickly come to realise that they will be sorely tested – and how!

Deborah Krizak impresses with her substantive presence as ballet mistress Madame Giry, who recognises and fears the powerful force of the Phantom.

Australian/Italian soprano Giuseppina Grech is delightfully uppity as Carlotta, the mainstay soprano of the opera. The latter is being pushed aside by the demands of the Phantom. 

Her leading man is Ubaldo Piangi. Daniel Belle revels in the indignance and frustration he brings to the tenor.

They are backed by a striking ensemble, led by dance captain Danielle Evrat.

The stunning score, including hits such as the title song, The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You and Masquerade, overseen by Guy Simpson, has lost none of its impact.

Gabriela Tylesova’s sumptuous costuming and breathtaking set design are works of art. 

Simone Sault’s choreography is glorious, while Nick Schlieper’s lighting and Shelly Lee’s sound design elevate the drama.

Director Simon Phillips helms a highly entertaining production of theatrical excellence to be celebrated and savoured.

Two hours 40 minutes, including interval, The Phantom of the Opera is playing at Mrs Macquarie’s Point until 3^rd May, 2026.