Forty years after the Phantom first appeared at Her Majesty’s Theatre, the most complete story of the show yet is here.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera: A Behind-the-Mask Look at the Global Phenomenon publishes today, 27 October 2026.

Ahead of publication, People shared an exclusive first look inside the book, which you can enjoy here.

This richly illustrated book takes fans behind the scenes of how this instantly recognisable musical was made and how it has changed over the years.

It includes archive sketches, photography, and interviews with cast, crew and contributors, from Cameron Mackintosh and Sierra Boggess to Michael Crawford and Rachel Zegler - with a foreword by Andrew Lloyd Webber himself.

It also looks ahead to what comes next for Phantom as the world of the show keeps evolving. Published by Crown/Ten Speed Press in the US and Ebury Press in the UK, an audio edition from Penguin Random House Audio also arrives alongside.

A landmark year for Phantom in print.

Today’s release completes the first wave of a publishing programme for the show’s 40th anniversary, created with Penguin Random House to bring the Phantom story to readers of every kind.

That programme began in September with Our Strange Duet, a young adult reimagining by Erin A. Craig. Created in close collaboration with the production, the novel follows Christine Daaé’s emotional journey and puts her choices at the centre of the story.

Released on September 1st 2026, Our Strange Duet is currently enjoying its eighth consecutive week as a New York Times bestseller.

For the youngest Phantom fans, Christy Webster’s Phantom of the Opera Little Golden Book, with the series’ famous gold spine, retells the musical in a gentle, accessible way for children.

No items found.
Order Now

Find out More