<P> A preview of the first act was staged at Sydmonton ( Lloyd Webber 's home ) in 1985 , starring Colm Wilkinson ( later the star of the Toronto production ) as the Phantom , Sarah Brightman as Kristin ( later Christine ) , and Clive Carter ( later a member of the London cast ) as Raoul . This very preliminary production used Richard Stilgoe 's original unaltered lyrics , and many songs sported names that were later changed , such as `` What Has Time Done to Me '' ( `` Think of Me '' ) , and `` Papers '' ( `` Notes '' ) . The Phantom 's original mask covered the entire face and remained in place throughout the performance , obscuring the actor 's vision and muffling his voice . Björnson designed the now - iconic half - mask to replace it , and the unmasking sequence was added . Clips of this preview performance were included on the DVD of the 2004 film production . </P>
<P> A preview of the first act was staged at Sydmonton ( Lloyd Webber 's home ) in 1985 , starring Colm Wilkinson ( later the star of the Toronto production ) as the Phantom , Sarah Brightman as Kristin ( later Christine ) , and Clive Carter ( later a member of the London cast ) as Raoul . This very preliminary production used Richard Stilgoe 's original unaltered lyrics , and many songs sported names that were later changed , such as `` What Has Time Done to Me '' ( `` Think of Me '' ) , and `` Papers '' ( `` Notes '' ) . The Phantom 's original mask covered the entire face and remained in place throughout the performance , obscuring the actor 's vision and muffling his voice . Björnson designed the now - iconic half - mask to replace it , and the unmasking sequence was added . Clips of this preview performance were included on the DVD of the 2004 film production . </P>
who was the original christine in phantom of the opera
who was the original christine in phantom of the opera
Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman