The Phantom of the Opera (1925) with Neil Brand

Romance, horror and suspense meet outstanding live piano accompaniment for this silent screen masterpiece.

Lon Chaney, “the man of a thousand faces”, gives his most famous performance in this first version of the oft-filmed tale. Based on Gaston Leroux’s novel, Chaney stars as the Phantom, haunting the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, who falls in love with the voice of a young opera singer (Mary Philbin). Infatuated, he kidnaps her, dragging her to the depths below where she will sing only for him. Get ready for the music of the night!

Directed by Rupert Julian, this lavish 1925 production launched the Hollywood Gothic style. Our BFI Photoplay restoration carefully reinstates dramatic colour techniques, and is accompanied by renowned pianist and broadcaster, Neil Brand, described as “one of the finest improvising piano accompanists in the world”.

The live show will be preceded by a short Q & A with Neil and author Tim Murgatroyd about music in the silent cinema and its impact on audiences. A BSL signer will be available for the Q & A. The BSL accessible viewing seating will be on the left hand side of the auditorium.