Love Never Dies: The Launch

The Phantom of the Opera needs no sequel, least of all one as ridiculous as LOVE NEVER DIES. LOVE NEVER DIES may open (and close) across the world, but Phantom fans will not be silent. http://twitter.com/loveshoulddie http://facebook.com/luvshoulddie

I wanted to like the show, I really did, but what a disappointment cast were excellent, theatre sets spectacular, but music was unconvincing or a rehash of old material and storyline pathetic. Don't bother with it go and see the phantom again which still reins as the best show.

I can't believe I flew across the pond for this. What a terribly disappointment. This has none of the magic or melody of Phantom. Andrew Lloyd Webber has literally turned into Norma Desmond and Love Never Dies is his Salome. It is a sad, sad attempt to return to a life of grandeur and expertise. Norma lost it. The Phantom has lost it. Sir Webber has lost it.

Someone once said that musicals are not written but rewritten. It's so true. I remember seeing "Wicked" in early previews and the changes that that show underwent during previews were so dramatic that it bore scant resemblance to the show I first saw. So whilst Aiden and Dee's comments are duly noted I will reserve judgment until after opening night. Plenty can happen before then - 4 days is an eternity in musical theatre terms. I met the man himself during early previews for a feature in The Independent that is far more comprehensive than my early preview piece of some months back. You might all like to look it over: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/features/t... ES

I entirely disagree with Aiden and Dee. I am a huge fan of Phantom and loved Love Never Dies equally as much. It is not a replica of Phantom - Webber has not tried to cash in again without doing some work, it is quite different and this is why I enjoyed it so much. The performances were polished and beautifully sung. The sets are special effects are incredible - so so clever. I loved the new music, I've been humming them since Saturday when I saw the show and have ordered the CD. The ending is dramatic - half the people I saw the performance with loved it and half didn't but either way it got you talking about it! I think this is well worth seeing and can't wait until I get the chance to go again.

I adore Andrew Lloyd Webber's music and this show was no exception to that. Does anyone know if a cd with the 'Love Never Dies' soundtrack is out yet? I got the 'Phantom of the Opera' soundtrack downloaded via http://www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/her-majestys-theatre.