Phantom 25th anniversary

October 9th
State theatre, Sydney, Australia

It comes upon me when I least expect it. This urning, burning inside of me. Today however I knew it would find me. Today of all days, but I denied it yet again. I saw the 25th anniversary screening of the Phantom of the Opera at the State Theatre. I've noticed some small changes added to make the sequel seem more believable, not lyrics or anything, just body language and that makes all the difference. Now I have seen both Phantom, and Love Never Dies with Ramin and Sierra in the lead roles. They have beautiful voices and I enjoyed witnessing it. Although filmed last weekend it did not air in Australia until today, and now I find it is 25 years to the day that Phantom was first performed. It must be fate, I wasn't even going to go, I knew I'd have to go alone, and giving my sleeping habits it would have to be the late session, for Which I would have to rise earlier than usual. So I didn't book, and then something niggled at my ear, something telling me I belong there. I know I don't really belong anywhere, but I listened to the voice in my head, booked a ticket, got quite a good seat considering I left it late, the seats on either side of me were empty, I must have inadvertently chosen the more expensive seating area. No matter, I did enjoy it, but as always watching any production of it leaves me feeling empty and with an urge to break something. Not sure why. I quite enjoyed seeing it alone. I will have to go to more things alone.

This was the first time I have ever witnessed an Orchestra elevated and behind the stage, as oposed to in the pit in front of it. This was perhaps done to make filming easier, either way I think it was a brilliant concept, as was the screen work featured in the background set, it wasnt over done, it was just perfect. I did find it amusing That the phantom had way more prosthetics in this than in LND, time heals all wounds I guess. The close up shots were breathtaking, and the music still rings in my head, but then again, thats where the music belongs.

It has been 6 days since I quit smoking. It's not the nicotine I miss, it's something to do to pass the time, something to occupy my hands. Something to stop me wanting to strangle the little screaming shit that is on this train with me as I make my way home. I got to Sydney early, I walked round smoke free well enough, glaring at other people as they enjoyed the luxury of cigarettes. Intermission of the show was strange, I knew when intermission was and I knew where the toilets were, having been to the State Theatre before, I had the advantage and I took it. Although I was seated down the front I was still second in, and thank god, cause the line was huge by the time I left. But what to do with the other 17 minutes. I sat in my seat, alone, staring round the venue. It is a beautiful theatre, the chandelier is said to be one of the oldest and most expensive in the world, though examining it as I did, it is in need of repair. I last saw Paul McDermotts Scree in that theatre, I did like it, but I loved this a hell of a lot more. Having gotten out of bed before 1pm I was somewhat drowsy, either that or the gold plated water I bought was drugged. I found myself lightheaded and getting vertigo from the Albert Hall aerial shots. Those in the back of that theatre could not have seen much. Much better to see it on film. There is a pirate version on YouTube or there was, it won't be there long, but still I think I will by a copy of it when it is released in December.

So now I find myself on a urine scented train, chewing on gum to take my mind of cigarettes... IT'S NOT WORKING!
it's dark out, 10pm and I know I have no drink in the house, please let a shop be open. I guess I find myself enriched by the days experience, but I'm not really sure, the phantoms life so resembles my own that every time I see it now I seem to feel little hatred and loathing after, I always assumed I was unique, but no. Everything has been done before, even our pitiful little lives. Forgive me, lack of nicotine has made me bitter hence the reason the gates on my house are permanently locked and the doorbell has been disabled. No visitors welcome. I am in no mood to entertain guests, if you disregard this advice take note that I've spent many years thinking about ways to get away with murder. You have been warned.

To sum up, FUCKING AWESOME SHOW!!!!!


Sent from my iPod