Mead set to star in Phantom concert
Lee Mead is set to take the role of Raoul in an exclusive concert performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall.
The special show will be broadcast by BBC Radio 2 and comprises one of several events being held this year in celebration of Lloyd Webber's 60th birthday on 22nd March.
The BBC will be very pleased with themselves, as this performance is the first time Lloyd Webber has allowed a third party to perform the production. The phantom of the Opera has traditionally been kept for his production company only. Lee Mead was an understudy for the part of Raoul in the West End production of the show before starring in, and winning the BBC's talent show, Any Dream Will Do. Casting is to be confirmed, but an insider in the production noted that the part was definitely "on the cards."
Playing the title role will be American pop star, Josh Groban who is linked to Chess the musical, which is also held at the Royal Albert Hall in May this year. Lesley Garrett is likely to star as the diva Carlotta in the BBC production.
The concert will take place in June of this year and is to be produced by Anthony Cherry, the same man responsible for Lloyd Webber's previous celebration, Friday Night is Music Night. Casting is currently ongoing, so nothing is finalised as yet. Watch this space for more up-to-date news as it happens.
Published by: Jon Lane
