As friends and family alike will know, I am a rather big fan of Andrew LLoyd Webber’s well loved spectacle; If I’m not cracking out a spontaneous rendition, I’ll be drinking my coffee from my favourite Phantom mug.
Phantom of the Opera follows the story, based on the book by Gaston Leroux, of the lurking musical genius’ manic obsession with opera singer Christine Daae; accompanied by beautiful scores, this musical is so moving that the original west-end production still has a full audience, show after show. And, with the announcement of a changing of the cast, from the 4th September, I decided to write a farewell article to Forster’s time in the mask.
Most fans will likely remember the first Phantom they see live as one might a first lover, they will always hold an important sentiment; Ben was mine. I had gone on a trip to London to see the show for my 18th birthday, and, having formerly known of Forster from his role as Jesus in the arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, I was excited to be able to see him perform live. Before seeing Ben, I had chosen Ramin Karimloo as my die-hard Phantom, but Ben’s performance shook that up.
When I first discovered that Forster was the current Phantom, I was curious to see how he would pull it off, with a demanding operatic style different to his other roles, and the high pressures of such an iconic character; and no amount of YouTube videos of his performance prepared me for how phenomenal he would be. What astounded me was Ben’s profound understanding of Erik (The Phantom); the vulnerability, instability and complete devotion to Christine. At one moment, he was tall, powerful and confident, but as soon as the mask came of it was like looking at a lost child as his posture, facial expression and dynamic completely disintegrated into hopelessness. Then, he was a cunning maniac, with shaking, twitching movements, and garish wide eyes. This, made for one of the creepiest portrayals of the Phantom that I had seen. Every slight gesture made, be it of the smallest detail of the hand, or an eyebrow, was done with complete passion and understanding. And for those familiar with the musical number the point of no return, it takes true artistic talent to be able to express a character so flawlessly while being completely covered head to toe in a black cloak.
To anyone that hasn’t had the chance to see Forster’s performance of Erik, you have truly missed out on a one of a kind Phantom, but, who knows, he may be back singing the music of the night one day! (fingers crossed).
It is a shame to be seeing Forster leave the mask behind, with a back catalogue of roles such as the Phantom, Jesus, Brad Majors (Rocky Horror) and Buddy the Elf (the role that Forster will be returning to this Christmas) it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Forster and where his versatility takes him. It will also be exciting to see Ben Lewis return to his role, know for his role as the Phantom in the film for Love Never Dies.
Credits: https://uk.thephantomoftheopera.com/
Image sources:
http://benforsterbase.tumblr.com/page/8
http://www.dianliwenmi.com/postimg_4235949.html
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/phantom-opera-ben-forster-changed-theaters-infamous-character
AmyLavernia 
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