Titanic The Musical at Birmingham Hippodrome Review

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Tue 18 Apr 2023 - Sat 22 Apr 2023

Even though everyone knows how this tragic drama ends, the moment a huge memorial with a long list of names emerges on stage, it brings a lump to the throat.

This fateful story may have been told in hundreds of ways but Titanic The Musical has found a fresh and tasteful way to remember all those on board. From the engine room to passengers; cabin boys to captain, they all get a voice at this show in Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday, April 22.

And what voices they are thanks to the epic soundtrack written by Maury Yeston. He has crafted big, stirring songs that verge on operatta. They're fitting for a story so historically momentous.

There's a grand opening on the deck of Titanic with a backdrop of its hull as various staff and passengers express their future hopes. Cleverly, those leaving the ship before it sets sail walk into the audience, making the stage feel like it is the ship itself.



That effect will be repeated again when dinghies leave the sinking ship with survivors dispersing into the stalls, crossing that third wall. Before that, there's the romances alongside infighting between Captain and White Star Line exec pushing him to make the ship go faster.

Graham Bickley playing Captain Edward Smith may look familiar as he was Joey's replacement in BBC series Bread. He is one cog in an impressive cast who make you quickly invest in the various personalities and feel a tug at the heart as the drama unfolds.

The moment the iceberg hits is done particularly well with a bright light blinding the audience ahead of the interval break.

Although the staging stays the same throughout, the change in lighting and innovative use of a ladder manages to recreate different parts of the mammoth cruise liner. There's the red-toned engine room, prim telegraph operating office and decadence of the first-class dining rooms.



Third class passengers are represented by Irish immigrants Kate and Jim finding each other while hoping for new beginnings in America, while second class has the sparring between Mr and Mrs Beane as the wife, played by impressive Bree Smith, longs for more amongst the upper classes.

Then there are first class passengers who pale into insignificance compared with elderly couple Mr and Mrs Strauss. They stay together right to the end despite the wife being offered a way out on a rescue boat. Their bitter-sweet story stands out in this emotionally charged, memorable production.

The most noteworthy of all are the ship's crew, who honourably stay the course as the ship goes down. When the in-memoriam stone appears on stage, you'll feel emotionally drained and more than a little wobbly-lipped.

Songs like Godspeed Titanic, Autumn and Doing the Latest Rag deserve greater recognition in this fine musical that is sure to impress.

Titanic The Musical is a poignant, mesmerising, atmospheric and classy show with glorious singing from a heartfelt soundtrack. Catch it while you can.

4/5 stars

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