REVIEW: Titanic The Musical – Birmingham Hippodrome
REVIEW: Titanic The Musical – Birmingham Hippodrome
‘A Moving & Triumphant Spectacle’
Titanic The Musical is docking at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 22nd April – and you don’t want to miss this stunning touring production. The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. Click here to book now.
The musical follows the tragedy of Titanic, when it collided with an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century – over 1,517 people lost their lives. Based on real people aboard the ship, Titanic The Musical is a theatrically-thrilling production that retells the tragedy in a spectacular and moving fashion. Celebrating 10 years since the original London production, the musical has embarked on a UK tour – for the first time since 2018.
An excellent cast brings this musical to life including Ian McLarnon who gave a stand-out performance as Thomas Andrews – the designer of Titanic. McLarnon shines in the moment the ship he designed starts to plunge beneath the sea. Graham Bickley and Martin Allanson both deliver great performances as controversial figures – the Captain and Director of Titanic’s parent company, respectively. Both characters initially dismiss any possibility that the Titanic could sink, ignoring warnings. Valda Aviks, David Delve, Adam Filipe, Jospeph Peacock, Bree Smith, Lucie-Mae Summer, Barnaby Hughes and the whole ensemble bring this show to life, enhancing the emotional impact through to the end of the show.
Opening with a number that expressed the initial hope of passengers contrasted well with the show’s poignant ending. A demonstration of how well-written this musical is, with audiences being taken on a one-of-a-kind theatrical journey. While the musical numbers aren’t necessarily memorable or catchy, they don’t have to be – they expertly drive the heart-wrenching narrative with huge emotional weight.
Focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the passengers, the musical features a triumphant score and emotionally-driven numbers. Titanic The Musical does an excellent job at introducing a lot of different characters seamlessly and telling each character’s story in a way that doesn’t feel imbalanced or overwhelming. The musical excels in honouring the victims of the tragedy and making sure their memory lives on. Directed by Tim Southerland, this production has an immersive edge to it and truly engages the audience throughout but particularly in the second half.
Titanic The Musical is at the Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 22nd April – book here!
