Ben's Phantom move
Elton works with Lloyd Webber again
Ben Elton is working with Andrew Lloyd Webber on two new musicals – including a sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.The former comedian is helping write the script of the follow-up, possibly titled Phantom in Manhattan, which will reportedly open next year.
Its plot is said to involve the title character travelling to the Coney Island fairground in about 1900, where he is reunited with soprano Christine, the object of his desire, her husband and their teenage son.
The original show has just celebrated 20 years on Broadway.
Elton and Lloyd Webber are also collaborating on a rewrite of The Beautiful Game, about football during the Irish Troubles. The musical will be adapted for the Canadian market, where it opens in 2009, and renamed The Boys In The Photograph.
Elton’s previous contributions to the theatrical arts include the Queen musical We Will Rock You.
Published: 10 Apr 2008
