By Mark Shenton
09 Nov 2009

David Shannon

David Shannon takes over the title role in the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera on Nov. 9. He succeeds Ramin Karimloo, who departs to prepare to take the same role in the Phantom sequel, Love Never Dies, which begins rehearsals Jan. 4, prior to beginning performances Feb. 20, 2010 and an official opening March 9 at the Adelphi Theatre.

Shannon has previously played Raoul in the show, from September 2005 to October 2006. He was most recently seen in the West End playing Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre, which he played through Oct. 10, 2010. He has also previously appeared in Les Miserables in the West End as understudy Marius and Pimp/Claquesous, as well as understudying Enjolras and playing Pimp/Claquesous in the touring productiona t Dublin's Point Theatre and Edinburgh's Playhouse. He was Olivier nominated in 2001 for creating the role of John in the original West End production of Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton's The Beautiful Game. Other major credits include playing The Man in Whistle Down the Wind (Aldwych Theatre), Guillaume in Martin Guerre at the Prince Edward Theatre, the title role in Sweeney Todd at Dublin's Gate Theatre, Chris in a UK tour of Miss Saigon which he also played in the final London company at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Rum Tum Tugger in Cats at the New London Theatre.

He joins a cast that currently includes Gina Beck as Christine, with Tabitha Webb playing Christine at certain performances, Simon Bailey as Raoul, Barry James as Monsieur Firmin, Gareth Snook as Monsieur André, Rohan Tickell as Piangi, Rebecca Locke as Carlotta, Nicky Adams as Madame Giry and Emma Harris as Meg Giry.

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