I heard Andrew LW wrote the part of Christine specifically for Sarah Brightman because he was married to her at the time. She was good, but I prefer Emmy Rossum as Christine. She just looks and sounds the part better (although it kinda annoyed me that she talked the Masquerade part too!)
I think I liked the film because they made him look how I always imagined he would - the non-disfigured part was very good looking. It was always important to me that he would have otherwise have been perfect! A very goodlooking genius!
So is it the NYC version that is playing in London? As it's been here for over 20 years! I just didn't rate the stage version I saw in London really. Maybe it was the actors. I loved the guy who played the Phantom and Raoul was good, but I detested Christine within minutes! And the flame scene, where he throws fireballs at Raoul was such a let down! I love the effects in the film, and Emmy Rossum's voice was amazing, for a 16 / 17 year old! And I love the dancing in the Masquerade scene in the film! Just love it!
I guess I'll go back to my books now...