Colm Wilkinson, (one of four Phantoms performing encore) was in fact the first ever Phantom, who originated this role. It happened in 1985 at Sydmonton Festival - typical place of Andrew's Webber Lloyd previews of his musicals. Wilkinson might had been first Phantom on stage, but later that year, he had chosen to be first Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, another role played by Ramin Karimloo.
Although the Phantom has no name in the musical, he's called Erik in Gaston Leroux's original novel.
Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess previously acted together as the same characters in 'Love Never Dies' another show written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and the sequel to 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
Tickets for the three performances sold out within five hours of going on sale. In order to enable more people to see the production, the final performance was relayed live to cinemas around the world via Fathom Events.
The concert featured parts which would be used in the 25th Anniversary UK Tour of Phantom of the Opera, including the new chandelier, no appearance of the mirror bride in "Music of the Night" and Christine's masquerade dress not having puffy sleeves.