Review: TITANIC THE MUSICAL, Birmingham Hippodrome - Tour
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s production was last seen in the UK back in 2018 when it received wide acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It has recently set sail on its 10th anniversary tour and Titanic the Musical is currently making waves at Birmingham Hippodrome.
For anyone who may not be aware of this production, this is not a musicalised version of Jack and Rose’s story, as portrayed in James Cameron’s 1998 blockbuster film. Whilst factual in parts, this show is based on REAL people who were onboard for Titanic’s maiden (and final) voyage.
David Woodhead’s almost wholly static set immediately plants us onboard the “ship of dreams” with its steel riveted framework, taff rails spanning the width of the stage and exposed ropes - the latter cleverly used in the implication of the lifeboats lowering. The stairs are portable meaning that they can also be choreographed to transport us to different places on the ship. Woodhead’s costume design is sublime, with clear contrasts defining class and passengers/crew.
Thom Sunderland has done an admirable job directing this bold production. It is fast paced from the outset, which means you have to get onboard with the characters’ individual stories very quickly. As an audience member, you might feel slightly on the back foot upon the show starting because of this but 30 minutes or so into the performance, you find yourself truly starting to invest in these individuals. From the adorable older first class couple, Ida and Isador Straus, to second class passengers Edgar Beane and his wife Alice who longs to be in first class, to third class lovebirds Kate McGowan and Jim Farrell, there are strong through lines for each couple. We also have crew of varying statuses whom you also root for during this fatal voyage.
Maury Yeston’s soaring melodies are simply divine and are performed perfectly by only a six piece orchestra, expertly led by musical director Ben Papworth. Whilst not all ear worms, everything feels relevant to the story in the moment. ‘The Proposal/The Night Was Alive’ forms a beautiful moment in Act One, whilst ‘We’ll Meet Tomorrow’ is an incredibly powerful and emotive piece of music, so much so that it feels like the finale number of Act Two. Charles Clarke’s line in the song “Come say you love me/As I kiss your eyes/Let one brief moment/Make eternal ties...” (delivered phenomenally Matthew McDonald) is the moment of the show in our eyes, paired with the staging at said point. Chills, lump in throat, teary eyes - that was the Titanic moment for us.
This is a cast purely built on talent and is probably one of the best ensemble company’s that we have witnessed in a long time. There are no weak links, with all working together as one seamless entity. Notable mentions must go to the vocally enviable Adam Filipe as stoker Frederick Barrett who plans to marry his sweetheart on his return to England, the supremely talented Lucie-Mae Sumner as Kate McGowan who dreams of being a Lady’s Maid in America, Billy Roberts as the troubled Murdoch who ultimately bears responsibility for Titanic’s demise leading to personal tragic consequences, and Joseph Peacock’s Wallace Hartley whose rendition of ‘Autumn’ is quite frankly stunning.
A gut-wrenchingly beautiful portrayal of a tragic event.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Titanic the Musical plays at Birmingham Hippodrome until 22 April before continuing its tour until August. To book tickets for select touring venues, please click here.
