This absolutely bonkers and hilarious musical parody based on the Oscar winning film ‘Titanic’ is a welcome addition to the West End.
Filled with laughs from start to finish to the point where it is difficult to breathe, Titanique is simply a joyous experience (although I won’t be able to listen to certain Celine Dion songs in quite the same way!).
Written by Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue, the musical impressively condenses the three hour epic film Titanic into 100 minutes of pure fun and madness – all narrated by the iconic Celine Dion (played brilliantly by Lauren Drew) who tells the story in her own distinctive style.
As well as being suitable for fans of the film and Celine Dion, there is plenty here for musical theatre fans to appreciate with countless references to shows such as Sunset Boulevard and Chicago for example, all of which are neatly placed into the script to sometimes catch the audience delightfully off guard.
To spoil how things unfold or any of the jokes would slightly mar the show for those yet to experience it – but I will say that among the highlights of the show is the lip sync routine between Cal and Jack (in the manner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race) and the improvised comic speech between Jack and Rose brilliantly led by Drew’s Celine Dion. While the bawdiness of the routine to ‘Tell Him’ is something that I won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
Tye Blue’s production is fast paced, to the point where it can be difficult to keep up with the sheer volume of jokes being thrown out to the audience and sometimes the energy is so electric that it can feel a little bit over the top. This being said it is difficult to resist Ellenore Scott’s lively choreography is delightful – in particular for the routine for ‘Beauty and the Beast’ that highlights just how mad this show can be, while Alejo Vietti’s costume design is impressively creative (keep an eye out for Layton William’s iceberg costume).
Throughout every moment of the show, the performances are outstanding. Particular mention should go to Stephen Guarino as Rose’s mother Ruth, making her into a wonderful diva (and getting many of the best lines delivered with perfect timing). In addition, there is much to be enjoyed in Rob Houchen’s controlled over the top take on Jack and Leyton Williams brings the sass to The Iceberg (the rendition of ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ is incredible) and cheekiness to The Seaman – constantly a joy to watch.
But it is Lauren Drew as Celine Dion who gives an incredible standout performance – knowing how to draw the audience in and use them as needed for additional comical effect. But her vocals are equally impressive and I’m convinced that Celine herself would be blown away by her rendition of ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Every character in the show has been perfectly cast.
Overall, Titanique is a bonkers parody but it still comes across as a loving tribute to the film and by extension to Celine Dion. If you need cheering up – this is exactly the tonic you need.
By Emma Clarendon
Titanique continues to play at the Criterion Theatre until the 4th January 2026.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️