SINCE leaving Bournemouth to find fame on the stage, Earl Carpenter has carved a niche for himself a one of the most popular Phantoms to have ever stalked a West End stage. The actor has now returned to his most famous role – in Phantom of the Opera at The Mayflower Theatre later this month.

Earl was born in Southampton but grew up around Poole and Bournemouth where he became a part of the busy am-dram scene as well as with professional organisations such as Forest Forge Theatre in Ringwood and the Jellicoe Theatre at Bournemouth and Poole College. He now haunts the stage of the Mayflower from January 23 until February 16.

It’s been quite a year for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary show, which celebrates quarter of a century with a new reimagining by Cameron Mackintosh. Earl performed the title song from Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Variety Performance alongside Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Although by his own admission, he had no idea who she was, but was honoured to be a part of musical theatre history.

His concert show Three Phantoms also enjoyed sell-out nights on its tour last year.