Phantom escapes the screen

The Phantom of the Opera escaped the confines of the screen version of the Paris Opera and hit the town this week.

Gerard Butler, who plays the title role, and Emmy Rossum, who portrays the object of his desire, the ballerina Christine, were allowed out to play away from the cameras and lights at Pinewood Studios - in order to face the cameras and lights at the Royal Albert Hall for the fashion and rock gala in aid of the Prince's Trust.

They have been working with director Joel Schumacher on the screen version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's celebrated show about a scarred musical genius.

Ms Rossum can also be seen as part of the extraordinary ensemble cast in Clint Eastwood's marvellous movie Mystic River. She plays the daughter of Sean Penn. And Penn seems to be the front-runner for the best actor Oscar. Frankly, it could go to him for Mystic River or for his other film, 21 Grams.

Meanwhile, Gerard and Emmy were back at work at Pinewood very early yesterday after their glamorous night out.

TWO unlikely stars are born: climbers Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, who appear in Kevin MacDonald's brilliant recreation of their mountaineering expedition in South America. Touching The Void, one of the best films of the year, will be shown at the London Film festival on October 27.