The story of RMS Titanic, one of the great modern tragedies, and a classic case of hubris, has been told many times: in book, notably by Walter Lord in A Night to Remember, and on film and in theatre.
Thom Southerland is reviving his brilliant production of the Broadway musical version, which he directed at Southwark Playhouse in 2013. Once again he achieves miracles with a large cast, a fine ensemble, on the Charing Cross Theatre’s small stage. The emotional impact is undiminished. The operatic choral opening, superbly sung, gets the performance off to a memorable start. Maury Yeston’s score soars.
The book by Peter Stone emphasises the rigid class divisions and gives a cross-section of society from millionaires to Irish immigrants. Many of the characters are based on actual passengers and crew.
Bruce Ismay, owner of the Titanic, emerges as the villain, insisting the liner should throw caution to the wind and go faster. There is a first-rate dramatic confrontation between him and the Captain and the architect when they blame each other for the disaster.