Review: Does Titanic The Musical Float Our Boat?

Titanic, Charing Cross Theatre ★★★★☆

By Sophia Shluger Last edited 93 months ago
Review: Does Titanic The Musical Float Our Boat? Titanic, Charing Cross Theatre 4
Photo: Scott Rylander

It's time to sink the unsinkable — Titanic the musical is back for a new 10 week London run.

This gripping Charing Cross Theatre rendition of the calamitous legend is awash with talent and emotion, and audiences will find themselves sailing through the 2.5 hour production.

Initially appearing way too tiny to stage a legend of such proportions, the theatre morphs into a believable, heaving ship, thanks to impressive, yet simple set design and savvy stage tricks. Scene changes are marked by a lone, precarious ladder, scaled by various characters (it also serves as a metaphorical reminder of the pervasive classism aboard the ship).

Musical numbers, mostly about social mobility or the lack thereof (remember the gossipy second class passengers trying to rub elbows with those in first?) float seamlessly into each other, while a troupe of 20 or so singing actors present very personal stories of the significance of the doomed voyage.

Photo: Scott Rylander

Suspense is created and sustained with dramatic lighting, foreboding music, smoke and sound effects — hair-raising when thrown together.

Most impressive though is the boisterous chorus singing repeatedly in unison — sometimes right at the audience's side. Their combined talent makes the prolonged macabre ending all the more eerie, as you sit imagining their impending demise for the duration of act two.

Die-hard Titanic film fans may be disappointed at the lack of a central love story, but people of all ages can get on board this entertaining show full of love, hope and ultimately dashed dreams.

Tickets are between £29.50-£39.50. Titanic runs until 6 August. Londonist saw this show on a complimentary ticket.

Last Updated 08 June 2016