Titanic the Musical At Edinburgh Festival Theatre Review

Reviewed by Lynsey

Brought to stage as a musical is the notorious legend of the unsinkable ship that collided with an iceberg and sank in 1912. For those of you who are fans of the Hollywood blockbuster don’t be disappointed that there is no sign of Jack and Rose. Instead, this musical is based on the book by Peter Stone that tells the stories of the real passengers aboard the famous maiden voyage traveling between Southampton and America. Bringing their lives and dreams for the future to life as well as the events of that fateful cold night in April where Titanic’s crew and passengers were met with the disaster that took the lives of over 1500 men, women and children. With only little over 700 surviving.

The story focuses on the segregation of the classes and how differently they were treated. And the harrowing details of some of the causes that contributed to the disaster. The memorial scene near the end was very emotional and well told.

Although there is dialog a huge amount of the story is sung through the music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. With a lot of the songs containing the gritty details of the ship, its passengers and the events leading up to the collition it is intense viewing.

The stage setting was simple if not maybe a little underwhelming. I think there could have been opportunity to show the grandness of the ship. And at times I felt it lacked to provide the atmosphere. Similarly, the costume design was reserved but I think fitting and appropriate for the storyline and era.

The cast is large with many having significant roles, but all gave a very strong performance. Especially Graham Bickley as Captain Edward Smith and Ian McLarnon as Thomas Andrews. My personal favourites were Lucie-Mae Summer who played Kate McGowan the 3rd Class Irish girl with big dreams for her future in America as well as Valda Aviks and David Delve who played Ida and Isidor Straus who gave a very moving performance as the ship was sinking.

The Festival Theatre itself is a well maintained, clean, modern and very spacious theatre with a few bars to choose from which would provide a nice space to socialise before and during the interval of the show. It also has a café on the ground floor where you can grab a coffee and a small bite to eat beforehand. Being in the city centre it also has an array of bars and restaurants around it for pre and post show drinks and food. It is easily accessible by public transport and is surrounded by on street parking however spaces close by can at times be difficult to find. Like the theatre itself. There is also plenty of friendly staff on hand to help.

I enjoyed the musical but it’s not for the light hearted. Full concentration is needed to keep up with the narrative. But it’s a fascinating story that is told very well through great performances.

The show is on from Tuesday 20th June 2023 until Saturday 24th June 2023

Tickets cost from £26.50 (ticket price includes a contribution to the theatre development fund)

For more information or to book tickets please visit Titanic The Musical (capitaltheatres.com)

Rating: I would recommend to family and friends and give this 4 out of 5 stars.