Titanic the Musical – Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Writer: Peter Stone

Music and Lyrics: Maury Yeston

Director: Thom Southerland

The sinking of the passenger ship the Titanic, when it struck an iceberg on 15th April 1912 with the loss of over 1500 lives, is a well-known tragedy. It was the White Star Liner Titanic’s maiden voyage with over 2227 people on board. However, there were only enough lifeboats for less than half that number. The captain was informed there was probably about two hours before it would sink. It is hard to imagine the emotions that unfolded.

But collectively, Peter Stone’s book together with Maury Yeston’s music and lyrics have created a most moving account. The musical focuses on different groups, the Captain, the Owner and the Architect, their experience, pride and ambitions. What led them to go at such speed? Why did they not avoid the iceberg?

The feelings of the Stoker, Telegrapher and Lookout and the roles they had to play are another point of focus in telling the story.

Titanic clearly illustrates the class divisions: the expected privileges of the immensely rich, first-class passengers, the more comfortable second-class passengers and the impoverished third-class passengers. The musical cleverly focuses on people’s individual’s stories.

Poignantly, every name that appears in the play is based on a true person who was aboard that ship. Third class passengers Kate McGowan and Jim Farrell fall in love, seeking a new life and future in America. Edgar and Alice Beane in second class on holiday, and for Alice in particular excited to be rubbing shoulders with the rich. In the first class the love story revolves around Mr and Mrs Strauss and finally, the moving love story of the Clarkes, she from the upper class and he from the middle class going to America in the hope that such class divide does not exist there.

Of course, the audience knows that the ship sinks but not who survives. The expressions of tender love and aspirations, the joy and excitement of the maiden voyage are all present. Musical numbers like Lady’s Maid, Doing the Latest Rag, I Have Danced are all uplifting and carry the story along.

It is difficult to single out a particular character in the musical. Everyone’s portrayal is believable and the emotions between the characters be it anger or love are so well performed.

The music perfectly matches the era. The singing be it individual or in chorus is heartfelt and rousing. Tension is built with the throbbing musical beat of the ship’s engines and the tapping of the telegrapher. Maury Yeston won a Tony Award for Best Score for Titanic (which won another four Tonys including Best Musical and Best Book in its original Broadway production).

The simple set adeptly portrays the enormity of the vessel. The vessel was apparently about a quarter of a mile in length. The black painted, riveted iron hull as a backdrop, and white painted moveable ladder staircase enables the cast to move between decks which gives the audience a real sense of being there and witnessing the scene.

Danielle Tarento in association with Mayflower Theatre, Southampton and Harmonia have presented a most moving and entertaining UK touring production. Not to be missed.

Runs until 22 July 2023