This captivating moving production directed by Thom Southerland, story by Peter Stone with lyrics by Maury Yeston starts with the story of inspiration, a yearning for the American dream for the third class immigrants’; an opportunity, for the voyeuristic second class passengers to rub elbows and be socially accepted amongst their first class peers; a rite of passage for the first class to be a part of this historic moment and immerse themselves in the expected decadence and privileges. To the contrast of excitement and gayety from the young galley boys and girls, crew, and engine room men facing a voyage of toil and longing to be home once again.
The company’s ensemble of ‘Godspeed Titanic’ was heart rendering and powerful. This set the scene of what was to be a dignified, emotional and dramatic performance of musical theatre at its best, depicting aspirational dreams, love and romance ending in the ultimate tragedy. The skill of Yeston and Stone was demonstrated beautifully as the actors seamlessly moved from scene to scene portraying various characterisations of the storylines with the music carrying the narrative of the story throughout, taking you on their personal journey of life and being on board a ‘floating city’; with striking references to the political agenda in an evolving industrial revolution and the hierarchical class systems.
The music is the jewel in the crown with superb harmonies from all the cast, faultless and in unison, performances from Adam Filipe (Frederick Barrett), Ian Mclarnon (Thomas Andrews the ship builder) Lucie-Mae Summer (Kate) and Joseph Peacock (Wallace Hartley) Autumn, was spell bounding. A poignant standout moment was the scene of apportioning ‘The Blame’ (Ismay, Andrews, Captain) with drama, emotion and authenticity of realism of their actions, and the fate yet to come for all. A breath-taking piece of musical theatre I have ever witnessed.
A highlight was The Proposal/The Night Was Alive (Barrett, Filipe and Bride played by Alastair Hill) a quirky catchy duet. All the cast gave a stellar performance and the musical score just kept on giving. This is not music that you can sing along too, or would want to but leaves a profound lasting feeling of pure brilliance in its delivery and realism, the demise of the Titanic. A strong professional cast, with effective staging providing the sights and sounds of the fate of a sinking ship. The scene changes from the structured first-class dining area to the third class gathered haphazardly around the table added contrast and context to the story. The powerful dramatic lighting was impressive and drew the audience into the plight of the passengers and crew final moments, to boarding the lifeboats, the men and women left behind to the cleverly concluding narrative by the survivors paying tribute to the 1,500 passengers who died and the acknowledgment of the 450 empty seats on the lifeboats: a sobering end to this historical maritime disaster.
This is a must see musical for musical lovers to experience, a Broadway performance in London and an opportunity to witness musical theatre at its best with outstanding cast performances, drama and emotion. If you are expecting the romantic Rose and Jack film version by James Cameron you will be disappointed, the requirements are an open mind and a love of the arts and the magic will happen.
Titanic continues on a UK tour currently until 5th August https://www.titanicthemusical.co.uk/tour.php
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 18th March 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★