Talk about the duck syndrome - you know gliding smoothly on the surface and paddling like mad underneath the water!!! Well that sums up what I experienced about the backstage going ons of the Phantom of the Opera. The tour was as described, the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly and gave a real sense of what goes on to put on a first class show. All in all a fab time and great way to see in my 40th year. Thanks.
Learning The Tricks Of The (Theatrical) Trade
We're not really interested in big musicals and would not have chosen this ourselves but are so glad our family chose it for us. The backstage tour was so interesting, especially as I have done some stage management for amateur groups. It really whetted your appetite to see the show and all lived up to expectations. A wonderful show in a delightful theatre. Thank you.
Fantastic, I Really Felt Part Of The Show
I have always been a fan of Les Mis, since the very first time i went to see the show, some 12 years ago. The fact that you get the background information and unusual facts meant that I really felt as though I was part of the show this time. I felt I knew the characters personally and this made the show so much more vivid for me. My husband throroughly enjoyed the show and has never been to a musical before. How many costumes to manage!
This was Christmas gift from my partner and it was one of the best gifts I have ever received. The guides were fantastic and really cared about what they did and knew everything about the workings of the theatre. I have seen Phantom about 4 times before so it was truly fantastic to see behind the scenes and find out exactly what goes on. This is a must do for anyone who loves going to the theatre.
This was a really great evening out - the Phantom of the Opera was, as ever, very special and gripping entertainment. Having the tour of this amazing old theatre was a marvellous insight into the backstage world of the theatre and indeed Her Majesty's theatre is extra special in view of its age and the very small area the actors and stage crew have to work in.
Fantastic Unforgettable Memory
The show Les Mis has to be the best musical in the world - the passion, the romance, the happiness and sadness all contribute to possibly the best 3 hours of entertainment you will ever have in your life. The added bonus of the tour makes this a brilliant night out.
Best Birthday Present Ever!
The tour guides were very knowledgeable, friendly and the jokes they told were funny. The tour takes you both on, below and above the stage so comfy shoes are advisable. It's really interesting to see how the machinery works to set the stage and how they fit all the set and props into what is actually quite a small theatre. I really enjoyed it as did my partner (who's not generally a fan of musicals).
Great Way To Spend My Birthday
Hearing about the theatre, seeing and trying on the costumes, going on the stage and seeing how big or small it is was really interesting. Then watching the show was brilliant. I came out and could have gone back to watch it again. It's my favourite show.
Les Mis: A Wonderful Insight
My wife and I love Les Mis and have seen the show many times but the Red Letter Days experience took it to a new level. To walk on the stage, to see the care and planning taken for every performance and the chance to dress as Jean Valjean for a few minutes were priceless. A very special day which will live in our memories forever. Thank you Red Letter Days!
The Most Awesome Christmas Present I've Ever Had!
It was the most amazing night out and Nic Goldshields was the most amazing Phantom ever!! Helen and her co-tour guide were brilliant. They were incredibly informative and knew the answers to all of the questions asked. They not only knew about the performance but all the details about the theatre's history as well. Nothing was too much trouble for either of them and I have already recommended to my friend that he books this as a present for his partner. Right the way through the process Red Letter Days have been fantastic. Even down to booking it for me when my internet connection was not working. The text message I received the day before and the email afterwards added the extra special touch. Thank you Red Letter Days!!
Myself and my husband thoroughly enjoyed the backstage tour - guides were vey interesting and amusing. The production was excellent.
Am Still On A High From Last Night!
The backstage tour added another dimension to the whole experience of watching Phantom of the Opera, it was thrilling to see behind the scenes, learn about the history of the theatre and watch preparations in action for the performance. It gave us such an insight into the intricacies of stage management and the immense team effort that goes into putting on such a spectacle. We were given superb seats and although I am familiar with the music, there is nothing like seeing it live, and my guest and I were held in awe for the whole 2 hours of the show.
Phan-fastic Fun For Phantom Phans!!
After a long, hot day in London we arrived at the stage door of her Majesty's Theatre. After registration we entered the magical world of theatre and within 10 steps we were on the stage that has played host to many famous faces over the years. After some highly amusing remarks about suspended tables and trapdoors, it was a hike up several flights of narrow stairs to the fly floor to see the oldest cannon run in London. We then retired to the royal circle to discover the 'real' phantoms of Her Majesty's. Then, after a light snack, we took our seats for the most amazing show. The standing ovation was well deserved and I clapped until my hands were raw. This is definitely the thing to buy for any Phantom lover!
Superb Backstage Experience
After our group greeting in the foyer we were treated to an insight into the costumes worn by the players of 'Les Mis'. We were invited to try them on and experience some of the trials and delights of the quick changes that go on behind the scenes. Wonderfully enlightening and informative evening followed by an absolute treat of a magical show. We were mesmerised by the sheer emotion of songs and the energy and talent of the players.
Fantastic Evening Out, Want To Do It Again.
Absolutely awesome show that gets better everytime you see it. The backstage visit just added more to the whole story and gave us a better understanding, so we enjoyed it the more if that is possible.
Perfection all the way. A tour of the depth to which Cameron Mackintosh goes to to achieve an outstanding musical. A very special night to remember.
The Tour Was A Great Intro To A Great Show
Les Mis will be breaking records for years to come and we'll be back to enjoy again. A fantastic peice of theatre.
Had an awesome time, everyone was really helpful and welcoming. The show was a real treat, made much more special by the backstage tour. Gave me a good insight into how the show worked and all the hard work that went into it. It showed me how clever and resourceful the theatre company was and I was really impressed with the attention to detail. Made me feel like the star of the show!
A 'Phantastic' Experience
Have you ever wondered what happens when you walk through the Stage Door of a West End Theatre? In the case of a Red Letter Days Backstage Tour, you literally walk straight on to the stage where only a few hours later the Phantom of the Opera will sing. From that first surprise, the tour provided an interesting and at times very surprising insight into what goes on backstage to make the Phantom come alive each evening. Our guide was knowledgeable and informative. The seats for the show really were the best in the house with a superb unobstructed view of the action. A 'Phantastic' experience all round.
Fantastic - Now Need To Do The Les Mis One!
I bought this as a gift for my mum for her birthday and we both loved every minute of it. Very knowledgable tour guides in Helen and Neil. Can't believe how small the theatre is. Learnt some very interesting facts and the seats were brilliant too. I was even able to snag an aisle seat to help with my bad leg - we were really well looked after.
The staff member that guided the tour was friendly and welcoming. She took us around the theatre, keeping us always interested and excited to learn about the theatre. The actual performance was unbelievable, unlike anything I've ever seen.
My daughter and I had a really enjoyable evening. She had never seen Phantom but I had seen it many many years ago when Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford were the stars. It's still as amazing today as it was then!
A gift purchased for my sister studying drama at University. She had an amazing time from the laughs she had backstage with staff to the tears shared by many due to the incredible on stage performance! Would definitely recommend to a friend!
Great Evening And Experience
Welcome was relaxed and friendly, trying on the costumes from Les Miserables was comical - fortunately the people trying them on did not sing as well! It got everyone laughing.The tour was extremely well conducted and the guide certainly knew her many facts. The seating was perfect and the show was fantastic and more. A great evening and experience.
'Entering The Phantom's Domain'
This was a fantastic experience that I would definitely recommend to any theatre goers or performing arts fanatics. The show itself was superb from the faultless singing to the mind boggling disappearing acts which made it something special. If this wasn't enough... seeing how the whole show operates behind stage, although giving some of the effects away, was what really made the experience breathtaking. With that amount of technical gadgets going on throughout the show, it's the behind the scenes crew who deserve a round of applause!
Wishing We Were Somehow There Again...
Thank you, Red Letter Days, for offering us the opportunity to enjoy such a wonderful experience. The Phantom of the Opera is a musical phenomenon, so to be able to watch the show from the very best seats in the house, plus to have the chance to step onto the stage and see the magic close-up was unforgettable. The staff were friendly, informative and interesting. They were accommodating to personal needs and answered any questions thrown at them from the group. There was no feeling of being rushed and so each experience within the tour could be absorbed and enjoyed. We would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone with an interest in the show, in the theatre world or, simply, with a little romance in their soul.
Absolutely Brilliant! 12 Out Of 10!!
I expected minimal access to backstage areas, but was pleasantly surprised at the amount we were shown; we did not simply see the stage and wings, but also sub-stage and the fly floor above. We were treated in a very friendly manner and received vast amounts of information both about the show and the theatre. The show was fantastic, thoroughly enjoyable, with brilliant seats. One piece of advice for any women going; avoid wearing stiletto heels as there are numerous holes and tracks on the stage!
The backstage tour was great, the guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The show itself is absolutely fantastic, this is our fourth visit and certainly not the last. A superb and unforgettable experience.
Brilliant To See How Things Work
After seeing the show several times it was wonderful to see how all the props and scenery are packed into the small space called the scenery dock, to see how everything works and especially to see the show again from circle seats.
Best Theatre Experience Ever!
This was a wonderful visit to London's theatreland. From the anticipation of waiting outside the Stage Door to being taken on stage and getting an actor's view of the theatre. It really gave us an insight into how it feels to be part of a show such as this. Our two guides were very informative and it was amazing to see the backstage workings of a top London theatre. The seats certainly were the best in the house and it made the performance even more breathtaking. Highly recommended!
Insight Into The Work Of Cast And Crew
Really enjoyed the show and the backstage tour made it so much more enjoyable. It was amazing to see the stage and scenery up close and get some insight into the work of the cast and crew.
A Must For All Theatre Lovers
I was most impressed with this experience, for me it was great to find out the history of the theatre and the show, including some of the 'tricks of the trade' used in the show. It was a great experience to see backstage. The show as we expected was wonderful, and lived up to expectation. Thank you for a very enjoyable and informative evening.
A Day Out That Will Stay In The Memory!
Absolutely superb time - everything about the day and the way we were looked after was superb! The way we were greeted at the theatre and shown around - ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.
A Look Behind The Curtain
Just returned from an amazing Red Letter Day - a backstage tour of Her Majesty's Theatre and tickets for the long running musical Phantom of the Opera. Our two guides gave an informative and interesting peek behind the scenes. For such a small theatre it is incredible they are able to put on such a big production and armed with more knowledge I think it made the performance even more fantastic. The two things that really wowed us were how they manage to store that huge spiral staircase until it makes its appearance on stage, and the stamina of the wardrobe department in getting all those wonderful costumes down from the fourth floor - and back up again - when needed. We only walked up a couple of flights and were catching our breath. A great Red Letter Day and one I would recommend.
'Les Miserables' was outstanding, I had been told many times how great it was, and I thought the singing, the emotion, the set and lighting were fantastic.
Great Show - Fascinating To See Behind The Scenes
Really enjoyed the show - plenty of tissues needed ...
A Truly Magical Experience!!
Have seen Phantom 4 times already but the tour backstage brought a new perspective to the show. The guides were fantastic - so many interesting facts about the show and the theatre. The seats really were the best in the house and I could see the actors' expressions quite clearly. The sound was superb and the music still sends tingles down my spine. A truly magical experience, which I thoroughly recommend to anyone!
The staff at the theatre were fantastic, we were met at the stage door and shown around by informed and helpful staff who are clearly proud to be a part of the show. The seats were the best in the theatre and we really enjoyed it. A fabulous experience!
Made The Show More Enjoyable
The Theatre staff made us welcome and put a lot of effort in to explaining the workings of the Theatre and gave an excellent guided tour of the whole building. When we watched the show, their comments brought the show to life and we were much more aware of the efforts of so many people in making it a first class West End Theatre show.
Fab Show, Great Seats, Made For A Wonderful Day
We were greeted at the stage door by our guides who took us straight onto the stage to get an actor's eye view. To see the sides, The Gods and the workings under the stage was a treat. The seats for the performance were just sensational.