Love Never Dies *** TNT

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous money-spinning Phantom resurfaces as Mr Y, the reclusive impresario behind a Coney Island fairground and, to the chagrin of Madame Giry and her daughter (who’ve remained loyal in the intervening decade), he’s still obsessed with his muse Christine.

The first act moves slowly, though the eclectic designs (shadowy leaping carousel horses, a transparent unicorn) are a treat, and it isn’t till after the interval that his trademark soaring melodies come into their own.

Despite a quartet of contributors, the book is feeble, and the lyrics little better. Ramin Karimloo’s strong-voiced Phantom lacks charisma but Sierra Boggess’s Christine (now the mother of 10 year old Gustave) hits and holds the emotional high notes in a sequel which pleases whilst rarely matching the heart-stopping poignancy of its precursor.

Adelphi, Strand, WC2E 7NA (0844 412 4651) loveneverdies.com. Currently booking to 23rd Oct (£25 -£67.50)