Sheffield Lyceum – until Saturday 22 July 2023
5*****
My 13th and final trip (for now at least) trip on the Titanic had me sail into Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. It’s been an amazing trip too. Watching the cast grow in confidence, expanding their roles and really giving their character life.
Danielle Tarento has given life to Maury Yeston’s epic music and lyrics and Peter Stones book. Thom Southerlands assured direction, Howard Hudson’s lighting, David Woodheads set and costume design all come together in creating perfection. And there is sheer joy in listening to the live band (Ben Papworth, Thomas Leate, Bridget Mansfield, Gemma Connor, Jack Cherry Craig Apps)
Yes I am probably biased, it is after all my favourite musical, but because I love it so much I seek perfection and I can be left wanting. But Sheffield gave me what I was looking for and I enjoyed my final sailing
There is humour within the sadness, Barnaby Hughes is pithy as Mr Etches, Bree Smith shines as Alice Beane along side long suffering husband Edgar (Paul Kemball covering for James Darch), Harold Bride (Alastair Hill) is a joy as he sings of his love for the wireless to stoker Barrett (Adam Filipe). And the three Kates (Emily George, Niamh Long and Abi Hudson covering for Lucie-Mae Sumner) dallying with Jim Farrell (Chris Nevin). Emma Harrold and Matthew McDonald flirt as almost married Lady Caroline Neville and Charles Clarke.
And the serious side too; J.Bruce Ismay (Martin Allanson) fighting with Captain Smith (Graham Bickley) and designer Thomas Andrews (Ian McLarnon. Mr Fleet (Sam Brown), Mr Lightoller (Jack North) and Mr Murdoch (Billy Roberts) trying to avoid the fatal iceberg. Mr Latimer (Luke Harley) Mr Bell (Danny Michaels) and the Head Maid (Janet Mooney) all doomed, listening to music of Wallace Hartley (Joseph Peacock) while Ida and Isidor Straus (Valda Aviks and David Delve) dance together through eternity.
With only 706 survivors this is a show that stirs the emotions and when the list of names of the 1,517 fatalities comes down on the stage, it hits you that these were real people, with real hope and dreams.
Pack your tissues and head over to the Lyceum before Titanic ends, because this is probably the most beautiful show you will see in a long time. Sail on Titanic – I hope you return again soon