Andrew Lloyd Webber has remixed and remastered the original 1986 London cast recording of Phantom of the Opera to mark the musical’s 40th anniversary. The new edition, titled The Andrew Lloyd Webber 2026 Mix, will be released digitally in October with vinyl and CD editions to follow.

The Phantom of the Opera (The Andrew Lloyd Webber 2026 Mix) is set for a digital release on 9 October, followed by a 3LP vinyl and 2CD edition on 6 November. A limited-edition six-LP box set, titled Phantom of the Opera – A Collector’s Piece Indeed, will be available from 20 November.

Lloyd Webber returned to the original analogue master tapes recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 1986 to create the new mix. Of the 11 original two-inch reels, eight survived intact and have been remixed without enhancement, preserving the vocal and orchestral performances as they were originally recorded.

Material from the three missing reels was restored using an unplayed vinyl pressing of the original album. The new mix also restores score sections cut from the original album due to running-time limits and includes three previously unheard recordings from Lloyd Webber’s archive: an early cassette demo of the title song, an early version of the Opera Managers’ “Notes” scene, and a demo of “Masquerade” with Richard Stilgoe’s original lyrics.

The 29-track release features the original cast with Michael Crawford as the Phantom, Sarah Brightman as Christine, and Steve Barton as Raoul, conducted by Mike Reed.

Lloyd Webber described the experience as extraordinary, recalling the precision of Hal Prince’s casting and praising the performances, particularly noting Crawford’s portrayal, Brightman’s vocal clarity, and Reed’s orchestral conducting.

The original cast recording, made at Abbey Road, has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and was the first musical cast album to debut at number one in the UK charts.

The six-LP Collector’s Piece box set will contain the new mix on three black vinyl LPs, plus the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and Masquerade: The Orchestral Score, alongside exclusive memorabilia including a hand-numbered art print, annotated scripts, sheet music, and a replica Broadway poster signed by the cast.

The 3LP edition includes a full libretto, a letter from Lloyd Webber, and unseen photography, while the 2CD edition contains the complete 29-track mix with the letter and photos.

Phantom of the Opera has played to 160 million people globally since its original 1986 London opening by Cameron Mackintosh, in 217 cities and 52 territories. The production’s 40th anniversary is also marked by a gala performance at His Majesty’s Theatre on 9 October.