Love Never Dies, the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's global smash-hit The Phantom of the Opera, has announced its first overseas production will open in Melbourne, Australia in 2011.

Speaking to the Australian media by satellite from London, Lloyd Webber revealed that the musical would be produced by his Really Useful Group's Asia Pacific representative Tim McFarlane. He also added that the musical will contain some structural changes to intensify the thrills and spills of the story, the show having received a mixture of responses since opening at London's Adelphi Theatre earlier this year.

Producer Has Great Affinity With Australia

Speaking about the decision to open the show in Melbourne, Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "I have a great affinity with Australia. My Musical's have always done exceptionally well there. I have worked internationally with many of Australia's finest theatrical talent".

Tim McFarlane added: "The Phantom of the Opera is the most successful single entertainment event of all time. Over two tours of Australia and New Zealand, it has been enjoyed by more than five million people. Those who saw Phantom and loved the show will be excited to see how the story continues and all those who appreciate music theatre will be thrilled by Love Never Dies".

Love Never Dies - The Story of the Phantom Continues

10 years after the flight of the Phantom from the Paris Opera House, Christine Daae arrives in New York with her husband Raoul and their son Gustave to perform an engagement at Coney Island, the new playground of the rich. She soon discovers the identity of the shadowy figure who has lured her away from Europe to sing, and the shocking events of the Paris Opera House come crashing back into her life with devastating consequences!