Love Never Dies: Broadcast.com review

Broadcast.com have posted a great review after seeing the show recently.

Love Doesn't Die

Who knew that Love Never Dies was actually pretty good fun? From all reports, you'd think it was the worst thing ever to grace the London stage (a fine task when contenders include Too Close To The Sun and Dreamboats and Petticoats). I certainly wasn't expecting too much when a friend took me along, but I came out having enjoyed myself greatly.

The thing about Love Never Dies - and the original Phantom - is not to pay too much attention to the story. It's all a bit overblown, madly histrionic and cheesy but somehow this doesn't matter - the sequel is fun, fast-paced and full of talented cast members who work very hard at giving you an enjoyable evening out. While usual lead Ramin Karimloo was off when we went, understudy Tam Mutu did a spectacularly good job - a friend we bumped into at the interval hadn't even realised it wasn't Ramin (to be fair, we were seated far away enough that it wasn't obvious). His voice is so strong it sent shivers down my spine when it he went for the big belty notes - a great example of a good understudy making the part his own.

The effects and visuals are stunning, and while some of the pacing could do with tightening up, this really is a surprisingly fun show. Though I still maintain that Ben Elton should never be let near a notepad and pen, it's not the car crash many would have you believe - I'm even quite willing to go and see it again (the only other musicals in town to enjoy this thought from me are Legally Blonde and Priscilla).