Andrew Lloyd Webber and stars of Love Never Dies received a standing ovation at the world premiere of the stage musical.
But the eagerly-anticipated follow-up to The Phantom of the Opera - which took place at London's Adelphi Theatre on Tuesday night, and is due to be followed by unveilings in New York and Australia - failed to win over all the critics.
The audience, packed with stars including Sir Michael Caine, Lord Bragg, Graham Norton, Gerard Butler, Sir Terry Wogan and Chris Evans, rose to their feet and cheered as the show reached its climax.
Lloyd Webber bowed and blew a kiss to the audience, and kissed those on the stage.
The biggest cheers of the night were saved for Ramin Karimloo, who plays the Phantom, and Sierra Boggess, who plays Christine.
Both previously performed the roles in the original Phantom.
Summer Strallen, who plays Meg Giry and who previously starred as Maria on stage in The Sound of Music, also went down a storm.
The adulation follows mixed views on the internet about the musical, which was having previews before the premiere.
Theatre critics also gave it mixed reviews with comments ranging from "the thing lacks human connection" to "Lloyd Webber's finest show since the original Phantom".
During the interval, Lloyd Webber said of the audience reaction: "It seems great."
Ben Elton, who worked with Lloyd Webber to finally bring the show to the stage after almost 20 years in the making, said he was "thrilled".
"It's a wonderful night in the theatre," he said.
"I'm very pleased to have played a small part in what is a fabulous, fabulous show."
The Phantom Of The Opera has been seen by more than 100 million people, has been translated into 15 languages and has won 50 awards.
A movie version was made of the musical, starring Butler.
Love Never Dies continues the story of the Phantom, who has moved from his lair in the Paris Opera House to haunt the fairgrounds of New York's Coney Island.
The new show sees the Phantom reunited with Christine at Coney Island, but he becomes embroiled in a love triangle.
Christine is accompanied by her 10-year-old son Gustave.
© Press Association