Titanique is an uproarious, high-energy spectacle that redefines the jukebox musical and offers a fresh, hilariously irreverent twist on one of the most iconic films ever made. This show isn’t just funny—it’s side-splitting, gut-busting, and tears-streaming-down-your-face hilarious. If you think you know Titanic, think again, because what this production reveals is that the true missing ingredients in James Cameron’s epic were a camp Luigi, a no-nonsense Kathy Bates, and a gloriously delusional Celine Dion.
This inventive retelling of the Titanic saga, set to the unmistakable soundtrack of Céline Dion’s greatest hits, is a refreshing antidote to your standard West End fare. Told through the wildly unreliable gaze of Céline herself (played with absolute brilliance by Lauren Drew), the story takes the familiar tale of Jack and Rose and turns it into a riotous parody of love, loss, and, well, icebergs. Céline, our fabulously over-the-top narrator, inserts herself into the story, misremembering key details and adding a layer of absurdity that elevates the show from simple satire to theatrical genius.
Our romantic leads Jack (Rob Houchen) and Rose (Kat Ronney) revisit the cherished moments of the film, but with a modern comedic twist that breathes new life into their doomed romance. And then there’s Layton Williams as The Iceberg—a drag queen channeling Tina Turner with enough sass and sparkle to sink a ship and steal the spotlight. The climax? Céline Dion, unable to bear the tragedy, revives the drowning victims with a powerhouse rendition of My Heart Will Go On. Yes, really.
It’s hard to describe Titanique without resorting to a full-blown reenactment, but suffice it to say, the humor is relentless. This show expertly blends physical comedy, observational gags, and rapid-fire one-liners into a laugh-a-minute experience. Stephen Guarino as Ruth is a scene-stealer, delivering razor-sharp zingers and outrageous quips that had the audience in stitches. His interplay with the audience, combined with his fearless improvisation, makes him an undeniable highlight. Darren Bennett as the ship’s captain (and inexplicably, Luigi) is another standout, offering a performance that’s equal parts camp and charisma, peppered with subtle nods to LGBT culture that feel celebratory and organic.
Jukebox musicals often struggle to integrate their songs naturally, but Titanique turns this challenge into a triumph. Writers Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli, and Tye Blue have crafted a narrative that uses Céline Dion’s hits with tongue-in-cheek brilliance. Each song feels intrinsic to the story’s humor and heart, rather than a shoehorned moment for a sing-along. Jordan Luke Gage’s performance of I Surrender / Seduces Me is a show-stopper, delivering unexpected goosebumps in the middle of a comedy. The combination of his stunning vocals and the scene’s hilarity is a testament to the show’s unique alchemy.
The production’s minimalist set design works perfectly, allowing the actors’ boundless energy and comedic talents to take centre stage. There are no overblown technical tricks to distract from the action—just a brilliantly talented cast giving 100% in every moment. The result is a rare kind of intimacy and immediacy that pulls the audience into the chaos unfolding on stage.
Lauren Drew is the beating heart of the show as Céline Dion. Her performance is nothing short of sensational, capturing the diva’s larger-than-life persona with uncanny precision while injecting her own mischievous wit and flawless comic timing. Her expressive face and impeccable delivery bring the house down repeatedly, proving she’s as much a comedic powerhouse as a vocal one.
It’s worth noting that Titanique’s marketing doesn’t quite capture just how uproariously funny and uniquely brilliant this show is. What you get isn’t just a jukebox musical or a parody—it’s a love letter to Céline Dion, a celebration of camp, and a masterclass in comedic theatre.
If you’re looking for a musical that dares to be different—a show that leaves your sides aching from laughter and your heart warmed by its sheer audacity—this is it. Running at a brisk 100 minutes with no interval, Titanique at the Criterion Theatre is an unmissable theatrical event, playing until March 2025. Don’t walk—run to see it. You’ll thank me later.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
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