(AD – PRESS NIGHT) TITANIC THE MUSICAL HULL REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
MONDAY 29TH MAY 2023 @ 7.30PM
***** 5/5
If you’re looking for a musical with history and emotion, Titanic could well be the show for you. As someone with a black heart, it might be one of the most moving shows I’ve ever seen. Read on for my Titanic the Musical Hull review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
I went into this show completely blind. I’ve never listened to the soundtrack or seen any videos from the show. Of course, I know the basic story of the Titanic but not massively in-depth. I knew the show was based on the history of the ship, as opposed to a musical version of the movie. Judging by the chatter before the show, most of the audience didn’t seem to realise this. (Yes, some of it was accurate but for the most part, it was a dramatisation.)
THE CAST
The first thing to say is WOW! It really feels more like an ensemble piece because despite there being so many characters, everyone is vital to the story and there are no background actors. I wouldn’t say that there are any leads either because everyone gets a starring moment. During the ensemble numbers, various actors will play background characters before transforming into their lead roles again.
However, there were a couple of standouts for me. Adam Filipe as Barrett had star quality, giving me major Aaron Tveit vibes. His duet, The Proposal/The Night Was Alive, with Alastair Hill (Harold Bride), was particularly beautiful. Male duets aren’t common in musicals so that’s probably why I enjoyed it so much!
Bree Smith as Alice Beane had one of the hardest tasks of the evening, singing 1st Class Roster, which had about the same amount of lyrics as a rap from Hamilton. However, every word was crisp and I loved the comedic elements of her character as well as more of her emotional side too.
Barnaby Hughes as Henry Etches/Herbert Pitman rounds out my top three stars of the show. He was in most scenes as chief steward to the 1st classes/lookout and had lots of responsibility as a central character. He has some really funny moments as well as sad scenes too.
THE MUSIC
After just a couple of songs, all I could think was “This feels very Les Mis”. I mean that in the most positive way too. Rather than a musical, Titanic feels like an opera, with 95% of it sung through. The idea of a musical based on historical events is always a touchy subject. However, I find they’re usually educational. Titanic was so tastefully done and the reason for that was the score.
Every lyric was sung to perfection and so meaningful. You can tell this is a real singer’s show because the melodies really travelled. We’re talking about Sondheim levels of vocal range here. I’m glad it’s not well-known because the thought of an audience singing along fills me with dread!
Many of the lyrics were fast-paced but still sang with such emotion. the voices of this cast could fill a stadium, never mind a theatre. You really did feel every single word of their pain, love, heartbreak, and sorrow.
THE PRODUCTION
In terms of the set, it was a very grand display yet simple. Most of the props were wheeled in and out, with the main backdrop staying throughout. The upper staging looked standard until the very end (I won’t spoil it) and the audience gasped!
Costumes play a massive part in this, especially with uniforms and colour. The uniforms on the Titanic look very realistic. The upper classes wear extravagant gowns and fitted suits, all in rich tones. The lower classes were scruffier items in darker shades.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Genuinely, I enjoyed this show much more than I thought I would. I came out of the theatre thinking it was one of the best shows I’d ever seen. It’s obviously not an easy watch with no toe-tapping, head-bopping songs. However, if you prefer theatre that makes you think, this show is right up your street.
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