<P> Maria Björnson designed the sets and over 200 costumes, including the elaborate gowns in the "Masquerade" sequence . Her set designs, including the chandelier, subterranean gondola, and sweeping staircase, earned her multiple awards . Hal Prince, director of Cabaret, Candide, Follies, and Lloyd Webber's Evita, directed the production, while Gillian Lynne, associate director and choreographer of Cats, provided the integral musical staging and choreography . </P> <P> A preview of the first act was staged at Sydmonton (Lloyd Webber's home) in 1985, starring Colm Wilkinson (later the star of the Toronto production) as the Phantom, Sarah Brightman as Kristin (later Christine), and Clive Carter (later a member of the London cast) as Raoul . This very preliminary production used Richard Stilgoe's original unaltered lyrics, and many songs sported names that were later changed, such as "What Has Time Done to Me" ("Think of Me"), and "Papers" ("Notes"). The Phantom's original mask covered the entire face and remained in place throughout the performance, obscuring the actor's vision and muffling his voice . Björnson designed the now - iconic half - mask to replace it, and the unmasking sequence was added . Clips of this preview performance were included on the DVD of the 2004 film production . </P> <P> Phantom began previews at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End on 27 September 1986 under the direction of Hal Prince, then opened on 9 October . It was choreographed by Gillian Lynne and the sets were designed by Maria Björnson, with lighting by Andrew Bridge . Michael Crawford starred in the title role with Sarah Brightman as Christine and Steve Barton as Raoul . The production, still playing at Her Majesty's, celebrated its 10,000 th performance on 23 October 2010, with Lloyd Webber and the original Phantom, Michael Crawford, in attendance . It is the second longest - running musical in West End (and world) history behind Les Misérables, and third overall behind The Mousetrap . </P> <P> A 25th - anniversary stage performance was held in London on 1 and 2 October 2011 at the Royal Albert Hall and was screened live in cinemas worldwide . The production was produced by Cameron Mackintosh, directed by Laurence Connor, musical staging & choreography by Gillian Lynne, set design by Matt Kinley, costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, and sound design by Mick Potter . The cast included Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom, Sierra Boggess as Christine, Hadley Fraser as Raoul, Wynne Evans as Piangi, Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta, Barry James as Monsieur Firmin, Gareth Snook as Monsieur Andre, Liz Robertson as Madame Giry, and Daisy Maywood as Meg Giry . Lloyd Webber and several original cast members, including Crawford and Brightman, were in attendance . A DVD and Blu - ray of the performance was released in February 2012, and it began airing in March 2012 on PBS's "Great Performances" television series . </P>

Who played the title role in phantom of the opera 1986