The Phantom of the Opera to be filmed live for cinemas worldwide

The Phantom of the Opera is to be filmed in front of a live audience at His Majesty's Theatre in London, the West End home where it opened in 1986. It is the first time the production has been filmed at the theatre, and the finished film will be released in cinemas around the world in 2027.

The news was announced on Wednesday 7 October by Universal Pictures Content Group, LW Entertainment and Cameron Mackintosh, just days before the musical marks 40 years at His Majesty's Theatre on Friday 9 October 2026.

What will the film show?

The cameras will capture the 40th anniversary gala performance on Friday 9 October. As part of the gala, much-loved performers from the last four decades will join the current company on stage for a special curtain call, so the film will preserve that moment as well as the show itself.

The international company assembled for the 40th birthday season will appear in the film. It is led by Jordan Donica as The Phantom, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Christine Daaé and Rhys Whitfield as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. They are joined by Sierra Boggess as Carlotta, Matt Bateman as Piangi, Joseph Millson as Monsieur André, Ian Pirie as Monsieur Firmin, Joanna Riding as Madame Giry and Millie Lyon as her daughter, Meg. We looked at the anniversary season cast when it was announced in the summer.

Who is making the film?

The live capture is a co-production between Universal Pictures Content Group, Cameron Mackintosh Limited and LW Entertainment. It is directed for the screen by Brett Sullivan, whose credits include Hadestown, and produced by Dione Orrom, who produced Six: The Musical Live! Helen Parker, an executive vice president at Universal Pictures Content Group, is executive producer.

When will it be in cinemas?

The film will be released in cinemas internationally in 2027. No release date or list of countries has been announced yet, and the producers say further details will follow.

Is there anything else for the 40th anniversary?

Yes. Andrew Lloyd Webber has gone back to the original analogue master tapes of the 1986 Original London Cast Recording and remixed the score for the first time. The new release restores sections that were never released before and includes rare material from his personal archive. The Phantom of the Opera (The Andrew Lloyd Webber 2026 Mix) is released digitally on Friday 9 October, with vinyl and CD editions following on Friday 6 November.

What is The Phantom of the Opera about?

The musical tells the story of Christine Daaé, a young soprano whose voice enchants a masked musical genius living in the depths of the Paris Opera House. The Phantom becomes her mentor and falls dangerously in love with her, but when Christine is reunited with her childhood sweetheart Raoul, his obsession sets off a chain of jealousy and passion. The score includes The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Masquerade and the famous title song.

Since 1986 the show has played to 160 million people in 229 cities and 23 languages. It has won more than 70 major awards, including two Olivier Awards and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical in London, and seven Tony Awards on Broadway. Its original cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number one.

Can I still see the anniversary cast on stage?

Yes. The full anniversary company plays at His Majesty's Theatre until Saturday 21 November 2026, with casting after that date still to be announced. Evening performances are Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

For The Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre, see dates and tickets on British Theatre.