The Phantom of the Opera has smashed box office records at The Alhambra - before it even starts its mammoth run.

Nearly 80,000 tickets have already been sold in advance for Andrew Lloyd Webber's spectacular musical.

Bradford Theatres general manager John Botteley said: "Les Miserables, which was previously the longest show staged at the Alhambra in 1998, ended up with nearly £2.5 million by the end of its run and I can announce today that we expect to open this run with £2.5 million worth of tickets sold.

"We knew when we made this booking that we would break a few records and we have done so already. We've taken more money at the box office in the last month than any month in the theatre's history. All around Bradford, hotels, bars and restaurants are gearing up for a record-breaking season."

Mr Botteley said bookings had been made from 84 of the UK's 116 postcode areas, with people snapping up tickets from as far away as Norway and the United States.

Peter Karrie, who will take the leading role of the Phantom, flew into Bradford with his co-star Debbie Dutcher, who plays Christine, for the production's official launch.

Karrie has twice been voted the World's Most Popular Phantom by the Phantom Appreciation Society. The Phantom of the Opera will begin on April 1. Performances go on until August 12, eclipsing the 12-week run of Les Miserables two years ago.

There will be 153 performances in all, taking place at 7.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and 2pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Ticket prices range from £7.50 to £32.50 and are on sale from the Bradford Theatres box office on (01274) 752000.

Mr Botteley said there were still plenty of seats available, especially towards the end of the run, in spite of the record-breaking advance ticket sales.

"It's been phenomenal so far but I would hate to give the impression that the whole run is completely sold out," he said. The theatre has drafted in extra box office staff but ticket-buyers are warned they may still face a wait.

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