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Love Never Dies cast revealed?

Posted by Jack on Tuesday 7th July 2009 at 11:47AM

After a year of persistent rumours, there are now solid clues as to who is involved in Love Never Dies.

TV personality John Barrowman was briefly rumoured to be playing the Phantom Erik. In an interview last year, he mentioned that he had been offered a part but had not accepted. However, on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s complete recording of the score, Barrowman plays the Phantom’s love rival Raoul. Barrowman played Raoul in the first instalment, The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, in 1996.

Barrowman joins the cast of La Cage Aux Folles in September for a limited stint. His last performance is 28 November. If he chooses not to extend, Barrowman could well take the role to the stage when Love Never Dies opens next year.

     
Ramin Karimloo as Erik? John Barrowman as Raoul?

As previously suggested by Lloyd Webber, the role of Erik is played by Ramin Karimloo. Karimloo is currently playing the role at Her Majesty’s. He also played Erik at a sneak preview performance at Lloyd Webber’s Sydmonton Festival last year. Lloyd Webber himself has hinted that Karimloo will take the role when Love Never Dies opens. Other suggestions for the role of Erik included X Factor oddity Rhydian Roberts. Karimloo leaves The Phantom of the Opera on 7 November 2009.

Sierra Boggess sings the role of the Phantom’s protégée Christine. The US actress is best known for originating the role Ariel in the Broadway production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Boggess previously played Christine in the Las Vegas production of The Phantom of the Opera. Like Karimloo, it is almost certain that Boggess will be Christine when Love Never Dies begins. Lloyd Webber had previously expressed an interest in Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins, but decided the score would not suit her voice.

     
Sierra Boggess as Christine? Summer Strallen as Meg?

The role of Meg Giry has unexpectedly been taken by Summer Strallen. The former Maria who starred alongside Lloyd Webber in Hollyoaks featured very little in the frantic casting rumours, because the role is marginal in The Phantom of the Opera. Strallen has just finished performing in Paradise Moscow, Leeds Grand Theatre’s acclaimed production tipped for a West End run. It is unclear if she will rejoin Love Never Dies next year. Wicked’s Kerry Ellis has been tipped for the role on stage.

Love Never Dies is expected to open next spring. Watch this space for further announcements. In preparation, you can book tickets the first instalment here.