The Phantom of the Opera

After completing his A Levels, Benjamin was accepted at Trinity College of Music, London. He made his opera debut as the lead tenor Orsino in the world premiere of Goldschmidt’s Beatrice Cenci and Trinity then offered him a Creed Scholarship to enable him to carry on his studies under voice coach John Noble.

Trying to break into the business, Benjamin won the ITV primetime show Michael Barrymore’s My Kind of Music singing ‘On with the Motley’ from Pagliacci, after which he became a solo artist for the worldwide dance spectacular Spirit of the Dance. For the next three years, Benjamin became the headline attraction in Reno, Nevada, and toured the USA and Europe. During this time he performed at the Rugby World opening ceremony in front of a 75,000 capacity crowd at Twickenham, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and closed the show at the Bravo China 2000 celebrations at the Millennium Dome. He also recorded his debut album, The Voice, released in America.

Benjamin created the role of Dwight in the controversial Jerry Springer – The Opera at the Edinburgh Fringe. On its transfer to the National Theatre and subsequent run in the West End, Benjamin also created the role of God. The role of Dwight/God won him the people’s vote as Best London Newcomer of the Year in the Whatsonstage Awards. He completed the British tour of the multi award-winning show last year and was recently seen playing many different characters in BBC2’s Kombat Opera Presents.

www.benjaminlake.net