Hull New Theatre – until 3rd June 2023
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
Titanic The Musical (presented by Danielle Tarento in association with Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Harmonia) got a very deserved standing ovation at Hull New Theatre last night.
The story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, the White Star Lines luxury liner, is very well documented. The “un sinkable” ship did the unthinkable and sank on 15th April 1912 on its maiden voyage to New York, after hitting an iceberg, with a loss of over 1500 people.
Based on the book by Peter Stone the musical tells the story of the journey of the liner from the view of the passengers and crew, from the 3rd class steerage passengers looking for a new life in America, the 2nd class passengers begin able to afford a holiday and some also looking for a new life and the 1st class passengers enjoying the opulence and grandeur on the White Star Lines brand new, ultra-modern ship.
In the first half of the show, we meet the passengers and find out why they are on board, we see them enjoying parties, see them happy and looking forward to arriving in America. Also, we saw the crew, some on their first voyage and some on their last before retiring. I felt uneasy watching them knowing, how soon, disaster would befall the liner. We could only imagine what the people went through when the ship hit the iceberg and knowing, that for some, there was no hope.
In the second half we see the aftermath of the collision and how it suddenly dawns on everyone how big the unfolding tragedy is.
You would think that this could make this production depressing or sad but Titanic The Musical is an absolutely beautiful piece of theatre. The score for this musical is outstanding (music and lyrics by Maury Yeston) played by the wonderful band (Thomas Leate, Bridget Mansfield, Gemma Connor, Jack Cherry and Craig Apps led by Musical Director Ben Papworth). I found it impossible to single anyone in the cast as they were all just brilliant, they were obviously very well-rehearsed and looked to be enjoying every minute. Their singing and acting was sublime and their movement around the stage was breath-taking.
This show is something not to be missed, it is a thought provoking, heart-breaking true story brought to life by this amazing production.