Grace Roberts Brings Phantom of the Opera Home to Singapore

For British stage actress Grace Roberts, stepping onto the stage at Marina Bay Sands’ Sands Theatre in Singapore is more than just another performance. It’s a homecoming. Roberts, who plays the iconic role of Christine in the beloved musical The Phantom of the Opera, has deep ties to the Lion City, having spent her formative years here. As the production prepares for its opening night on May 9, 2025, her return feels like a full-circle moment—both personally and professionally.

A Singaporean at Heart

Though born in Britain, Roberts moved to Singapore with her family at just six weeks old, living in the city-state until she was 18. She attended local schools, including Parry Primary School (now Xinghua Primary School) and Tanglin Trust School, where she first discovered her passion for performance. Over the years, she immersed herself in Singapore’s vibrant culture, from savoring local favorites like satay and chicken rice to exploring landmarks like the Singapore Zoo, which she fondly recalls visiting “at least 50 times” as a child.

“It always feels great to be back” Roberts told a local outlet ahead of the show’s premiere. “I have so many fond memories here, from watching Imax movies at Science Centre Singapore to playing around the water fountains at Bugis Junction.” Even after moving to London to pursue her career, she has returned to Singapore frequently, with her last visit in October 2024. Her family, including her parents and older sister, still resides here, maintaining strong connections to the community.

A Dream Role in a Familiar City

Roberts has been portraying Christine, the love interest of the mysterious Phantom, on the musical’s international tour since 2024, performing in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Mumbai. Yet, bringing the role to Singapore holds special significance. She first saw The Phantom of the Opera as a teenager during its 2013 run at Sands Theatre, an experience that left a lasting impression. “The show was so grand” she recalled. “Everyone has heard of it, and everyone knows the organ, the chandelier. As a young performer, you just aspire to be part of something so epic.”

Now, she gets to live that dream, singing iconic numbers like Think of Me and Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again night after night. One of the most challenging moments, she admits, is hitting the climactic high note in the title track—a moment of pure vulnerability with no orchestral accompaniment. “I get a big chord from the orchestra, sing three Cs, and then I am on my own” she explained. “I have to hit it well, because it is so exposed.” Thankfully, the stage lighting helps mask the audience, easing some of her nerves.

Shaped by Singapore’s Arts Scene

Roberts credits much of her artistic growth to her time in Singapore, a city she describes as a “melting pot of cultures” with a diverse arts scene. Growing up, she was exposed to a wide range of performances, from ballet and opera to local shows, gospel choirs, and international productions like Wicked and Les Misérables. “There was so much available to me that would not necessarily have been the case had I been living in another country” she reflected. “I am thankful for all of it.”

Her classical training also owes much to Hawk Liu, a Singaporean singing teacher who coached her from ages 15 to 18. Liu introduced her to works by Bach and Mozart, shaping her technique and pushing her to realize her potential. “I genuinely believe he is responsible for my voice’s trajectory” she said, noting that they remain in touch to this day.

A Fifth Run for an Iconic Musical

This marks the fifth time The Phantom of the Opera has been staged in Singapore, a testament to its enduring popularity. With music by legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show first premiered in London in 1986 and has since captivated audiences worldwide with haunting melodies like The Music of the Night and All I Ask of You. In Singapore, it debuted at Kallang Theatre in 1995, followed by performances at Esplanade Theatre in 2007, and at Sands Theatre in 2013 and 2019. This latest run, presented by Base Entertainment Asia, will take place from May 9 to June 22, 2025, with tickets ranging from 93 to 298 Singapore Dollars (US$69 to US$221, based on exchange rates as of the upload date).

A Personal and Professional Milestone

For Roberts, performing in Singapore is not just about showcasing her talent but also reconnecting with her roots. Her journey—from a young girl captivated by musical theatre to a seasoned performer on an international stage—mirrors the city’s own evolution as a cultural hub. As she takes the stage at Sands Theatre, audiences will witness not only the timeless story of the Phantom but also the homecoming of a performer whose heart remains tied to Singapore.