Philip Griffiths Enters Guinness Record Book, 25 Years In West End's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Actors learn early in their careers not to expect a great deal of job security. Even a show like CATS, with the tagline "Now and Forever" has to close eventually. (Though Andrew Lloyd Webber's feline musical commences its second Broadway this summer.)

But on occasion, with the right role, or a succession of roles available as an actor ages, long-term employment is possible.

With a 23-year stint in Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, George Lee Andrews is the current Guinness Book of World Records champ for lengthiest stay in a Broadway production. Now, after 25 years of performances and seven months of pushing his application, Guinness has recognized another PHANTOM player, Philip Griffiths, as the record-holder for service to a West End production.

"I'm truly humbled by it and delighted to have achieved it as I doubt anyone else will better it and no show will probably run long enough for anyone to do so," he tells The Stage. "It's been a joy working on PHANTOM for all these years and the buzz is still there after 30 years at Her Majesty's Theatre. Long may it reign."

Griffiths joined the musical on October 9, 1990, four years into its run. Originally hired as a swing, he eventually moved into his current roles of the auctioneer and maestro Monsieur Reye, understudying as the celebrated tenor Piangi.

He became a resident director from 1998 to 2000, remaining as an understudy for two roles during this time, before moving back into the show as a performer.

Having spent 36 consecutive years working on the West End, his previous credits included EVITA, CHESS, ANYTHING GOES, KINGS AND CLOWNS and THE BIOGRAPH GIRL.

Far beneath the majesty and splendor of the Paris Opera House, hides the Phantom in a shadowy existence. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the love he holds for his beautiful protégée Christine Daaé is so strong that even her heart cannot resist.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on 9 October 1986 with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the leading roles, and there have been dozens of productions worldwide since then. Andrew Lloyd Webber's mesmerizing score along with jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combine to bring this tragic love story to life each night.

In 2014, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera surpassed 11,000 performances -- an unprecedented feat achieved by no other Broadway show - and is still running strong at The Majestic Theatre (247 West 44th Street), the musical's home for all 28 record-breaking years.