Reviewed by Janine Rumble
Last night (Monday 25th June), I went to the Royal & Derngate in Northampton to review Titanic the Musical and all I can say is “Wow! What a musical extravaganza!” From start to finish, I was enthralled. Having an interest in the history of the Titanic, I was very intrigued as to how a musical about the ‘unsinkable’ ship would come across.
The musical tells the story of a variety of people who sailed on the doomed maiden voyage of the Titanic during its crossing from Southampton to New York. It told the story of the very wealthy in first class, the people in the second class and their wishing to be in first class. Then it told the endearing stories of hopes and dreams from the passengers in third class as they embarked on the trip of a lifetime to begin new lives in America. It also told the story of the captain, E.J. Smith, his fellow officers, Thomas Andrews, the ships designer, Sir Bruce Ismay the owner of the White Star Line, the men who worked in the boiler rooms and the crew who worked to serve all the passengers. The musical gave a glimpse into the time in which Titanic sunk and the differences between the classes. The large ensemble cast portrayed each character in an emotion filled, passionate and poignant way. The songs were amazing and really told the story of the maiden voyage, from the exciting first day of arriving on the ship, through to life aboard ship for both passengers and crew, to the blind panic and distress of the initial impact, ending with the emotional ending of acceptance that many would die and only a few would be saved (bring tissues, you may need them!).
Photo by Scott Rylander
The cast played a variety of roles, switching from characters in first class, to characters in third class in the next scene, all with costume changes in between. Each member of the cast portrayed their character in an honest way, in a way that made you believe they were that character. The emotions they bestowed upon the audience was amazing, especially at the end when they were saying goodbye to their loved ones. They sang and acted with complete conviction and I was in awe at each and every one of them and their talents. Their singing was truly amazing and their acting was completely believable. The music was amazing and really helped enhance the show. The audience was so captivated, many giving a standing ovation at the end.
I particularly liked Simon Green’s portrayal of the White Star Line owner, Bruce Ismay and Philip Rham’s portrayal of Captain Edward Smith. I also loved Dudley Rogers and Judith Street’s portrayal of Isidor and Ida Strauss, the owners of Macy’s in New York. Their songs together were so beautiful and filled with love.
Titanic the Musical is not your typical ‘happy’ musical, but neither is it sad, even though its subject matter is sad. There are many parts of humour and of love, parts where you will smile and laugh, but it is definitely a musical that you should see. It stands as a living memorial to all those that died on that fateful night.
It is directed by Thom Southerland, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and is based on the book by Peter Stone.
The set is a very simple step with only the props and a staircase moving on the stage. The backdrop is the steel outer of the Titanic, complete with rivets. There is a gangway above the stage with railings that look eerily like the ones on Titanic as is used to great effect, especially during the sinking. The lighting is used to dramatic effect, which enhances the atmosphere.
The costumes were stunning, especially the ladies costumes. Each costume had the detail down to perfection and were of the era. I liked the extravagance of the costumes for the first class passengers and how the third class passenger’s costumes were plain and dull in a stark contrast, reflecting the time in which it is set. The costume changes the actors went through were numerous. The work that must go on backstage is amazing.
The show is 2 hours and 40 minutes long with a 20-minute interval. Act One is very long, introducing us to all the characters and taking us through the first few days on board and ends with the Titanic being hit by the iceberg. Act Two is shorter and takes us through the sinking to the poignant memorial at the end for all those that were lost that night.
I would thoroughly recommend this musical to both musical lovers and people with an interest in Titanic.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £19 to £41 (booking fees may apply).
Titanic The Musical is at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton from 25-30 June 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk or call the box office on 01604 624811.
Royal & Derngate, Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP | 01604 624811
