The RMS Titanic set off on its maiden voyage from the docks of Southampton on the 10th April 1912. It was the largest ship afloat at the time and set to make the journey from the UK to New York a journey of a lifetime. However, as we know from the history books, on the 14th April the ship struck an iceberg and hours later sunk killing more than 1500 people. 

Whilst there have been many retellings of the tale of the Titanic, from the Oscar winning film, to exhibitions and plays, the musical is something that has passed me by and I’ve been eager to catch it after seeing so many positive reviews. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in the UK, Titanic the Musical has landed in Southampton again to impress audiences. 

Based on real people that were aboard the Titanic, Titanic the Musical is a powerful production that focuses on the hopes and aspirations of the people on board, and their innocence as they await their untimely fate. You are introduced to characters across the whole class system, from the workers on board the ship, to the first class passengers that dance the night away in beautiful ball gowns. Each person on board has a story to tell. You meet the young Irish girls in third class who wish to fulfil a better life for themselves in America, and the couples in second class who strive to mingle with the first class passengers and live their lifestyle. 

The story itself is one that is ultimately full of sadness and sorrow, but the stories you witness on stage are full of life, love, and hope. It’s hard to pinpoint one story that stands out more than the others, they are all intwined so beautifully that you can’t help but feel connected to each and every character on stage. I adored Barnaby Hughes who took to the role of Henry Etches, the first class servant who charmed millionaires whereas the tenacity of Lucie-Mae Summer as Kate McGowan left me cheering her on with her determination to make a better life for herself. 

Titanic the Musical was visually stunning. A simplistic set that allowed the story and songs to be the most powerful message on stage, the added touch of the list of victims of this horrific tragedy being a poignant touch. The cast weaved throughout the audience to show the urgency and intimacy of the stories that were being shared. Each song resonated in hope and sadness and you felt like you were being sailed away on the harmonies that were both rousing and emotional, truly allowing the power of the stories being told shine through. 

Although Titanic the Musical is ultimately one of sadness, it’s one of optimism and honesty. It showcases the true division of classes that is still unfortunately present today, and allows the audience to hear those true stories of passengers in a unique way. Whilst I wish that we could have delved into those stories in more detail, I appreciate that there is a potential to make this show hours long as a consequence. It's a truly remarkable show about hope, love, and the fragility of life. 

Titanic the Musical runs at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton until 15/4/23 before continuing on a uk tour.  For more info and to buy tickets: Titanic Tickets