We round up the reviews for the London premiere of the spoof of the Academy Award winning film.
The Guardian: *** “Hysterical, knowingly corny and as frothy as sea foam, Tye Blue’s production has a fantastically brash, devil-may-care spirit and sparkling performances. But it comes to feel like an overstretched joke – it is played straight through at 90 minutes.”
The Reviews Hub: **** 1/2 “While some jokes occasionally may feel stretched, the show’s fast-paced energy and clever timing keep things moving smoothly. Titanique knows how to keep things lively without overstaying its welcome. If you’re in the mood for something silly, absurd, and utterly hilarious, this is the perfect pick for a night of irreverent fun and incredible musical performances.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “Written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli and director Tye Blue, it is quite frankly, riotously absurd. But it’s also endearing. And although neither quite as clever or hilarious as it sets out to be, it is so strongly sung and energetically performed under the direction of Blue and the musical direction of Adam Wachter, that it is impossible not to have a good time.”
The Daily Mail: ***** “The company pull together like galley slaves, whether it be Jordan Luke Gage’s millionaire Cal and his left-field falsetto, or Layton Williams’s frosty Tina Turner drag-queen announcing the sinking of the Titanic with: ‘I’m the iceberg, b*tch!’, triggering a RuPaul-style drag race.”
Time Out: *** “Although clearly standing on the shoulders of previous US performers, Lauren Drew is sublime as the Canadian chanteuse. Ostensibly here to tell us the story of the sinking from her perspective, Drew’s spangly whirlwind perfectly captures the real Dion’s peculiar mix of old-fashioned showbiz cheese, mad aunty dottiness and weapons-grade lung power, while less realistically painting her as a delusional (albeit affable) narcissist who genuinely believes she was on la Titanique.”
The Standard: **** “The most prominent insertion though is Drew’s hilarious Dion. Dressed in a sparkling, slash-thighed frock and matching pants, she hunkers down to a succession of the singer’s power ballads like a prop entering a scrum.”
London Theatre.co.uk: ***** “In a show stuffed with jokes — many of which have been updated to cater to a British audience — understandably some land better than others. But there is no doubting the beating heart of this little-show-that-could, which shines brighter than the wonderfully tacky, piñata-style Heart of the Ocean that hangs above the Criterion stage.”
City Am: **** “Ultimately, Tye Blue’s relentless direction will overstimulate even the most ardent Celine Dion/Titanic fans, even those who go out to gay clubs to watch drag shows every weekend. It’s a lot, but in a way, I suppose that makes it even more camp. As much as I was exhausted by the curtain, I’ll admit I do want it all over again.”
London Theatre 1: ***** “A fun and funny show that provides a spirited and exuberant night out. It’s pure escapism – the kind of production so needed in these difficult and challenging times.”
Theatre Weekly: **** “For those willing to embrace its chaos and nostalgic charm, it’s an irresistible treat. In the depths of a dreary London winter, this musical offers a life raft of laughter and pure, unabashed fun. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the heart does go on – especially when it’s accompanied by Céline-sational hits and a healthy dose of theatrical madness.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “Using Dion’s iconic repertoire for the soundtrack, along with a few original songs, the show packs a punch not only for killer vocals but for insane belly laughs. The songs offer all the success you’d find with a jukebox musical, whilst still enabling ‘Celine’ to shine as a brilliant caricature of the singer. “
West End Best Friend: ***** “The whole cast are incredible singers, and Houchen and Ronney are no exception. Jack and Rose are the straighter characters of the piece and they bring a sprinkling of tender moments to this wacky show. However, they also get to demonstrate their comedic talent, and their reactions are key to the success of Drew’s improv.”
The Arts Desk: * “Much the best element of the show is its singing. Backed by a tight band under Adam Wachter, power ballad after power ballad flows into the stalls, drowning us in 90s nostalgia and genuine West End level vocals. Kat Ronney and Rob Houchen are our Rose/Kate and Jack/Leonardo, indeed the two best lines in the show reference the iconic piled-up red hair of the former and the cheeky-chappie costume of the latter. Jordan Luke Gage makes a handsome, haughty villain as Cal, Rose’s unsuitable fiancé, and there are wildly over the top turns throughout the support cast to keep the carry-on on an even keel. “
The Stage: *** “Camp and chaotic musical burlesque of the movie Titanic that hits all the right notes.”
To book tickets for the run click here.