.
This intensely tragic French novel is an ideal candidate for the spoken word
treatment. As we learn to explore the mythic realms of the Paris Opera
underworld, all is made clearer by the ideal choice of music that ranges
from Franck's romanticism to some chillingly harrowing organ music depicting
the famous monster at work playing the sinister organ. One is made to feel
pity for that hideous wretch who lies in wait in those wings and who made
his underworld home in such an ingenious way.
Leroux's Gothic fascination is perhaps a bit too far-fetched at times (the
chandelier episode is a case in point) but there is no denying the thrill
and sense of imagination that one gets from listening to such tales in the
middle of the night! Jan Fielden's excellent production does not leave a
stone untouched and his selection and abridgement is well nigh ideal. Obviously
the real hero of this outstanding production is Jeremy Nicholas', whose reading
has a certain sense of tragic mystery daubed all over it.
In particular, one must single out the 'Box 5' chapter for haunting presence
and the exciting escapades in the 'Barrels of the Opera' and the ubiquitous
'Torture Chamber' scenes. Peter Yapp's woeful enunciation in the final part
of the story are also a singular contribution, he makes us feel all the more
woebegone by Erik's sad past and hopeless future. Highly recommended to fans
of the book but also a good way of exploring this fantastic tale for the
newcomer.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Reading:
Effects:
Read
by Jeremy Nicholas with Peter Yapp. Music by Berlioz, Franck, Massenet and
Weber. 
