‘So What Do You Say, to Taking Chances!’ Titanique – Criterion Theatre, London 11.01.2025

This musical was brought to my attention by a friend, who wanted to go and see it. Of course when she asked if any of the girls wanted to join her, I was not going to say no to a musical – and a mummy day off! Though I will be honest in saying, I didn’t know much about the show and really what to expect and from what I looked up I had a feeling it would be right up my street – andboy was I so right!

Titanique, is the brand new musical that has set sail from off-broadway and docked right into the West End, it brings you the eleven time Oscar winning film ‘Titanic’ from the eyes of Canadian singer Celine Dion. Enfused with her amazing music hits such as ‘Taking Chances’ ‘I Drove all Night’ and of course ‘My Heart Will Go On’, it transforms one of the greatest love stories of our t`1ime into a hilarious musical fantasia!

When I tell you, that I have not laughed that hard in weeks – I’m telling you the truth. From the get go, you are chuckling away and every minute just gains more laugh out loud and when the show is only 100 minutes long your sides are going to be hurting but in a great way. The amazing writing team, Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli really brought Titanic to a whole new level that you would never thought it would be, its the film, mixed with a concert, throw in some guest appearances – one being the form of an iceberg and references to Ru Paul Drag Race and well you have a one-of-kind-musical that takes you on a theatrical voyage like you’ve never seen before! The comedy itself is your classic drag queen crude humour – so not for the faint hearted it can get quite explicit and sexy…but for me it was right up my street.

The thing I adored about this show was that it truly was an ensemble piece, complete with a small cast no one was overshadowed by another and each cast member had a moment to shine by themselves but mostly together as a team. They all looked like they were loving each moment and having a laugh in every seen yet showed their unbelievable talented skills also to ensure the audience got what they came for. I can see that it is a fun show to perform in, as with audience participation, and some improv I’m sure its like performing a new show each night – meaning I so want to go back and see it again, just so I can see what they do differently!

Stepping into the golden shoes of Celine Dion is Lauren Drew, who had the voice, the character and some amazing host skills to keep the boat afloat – until the iceberg. How, she managed to keep a straight face throughout is power especially with some of the tasks she was getting the cast to do. Bringing Rose and Jack to stage is Kat Ronney and Rob Houchen, both of which had outstanding vocals but also were perfect in their role and ensured they didn’t take themselves to seriously to allow the audience to warm to them instantly.

Behind Rose was her Fiancé Cal, played excellently by Jordan Luke Gage and her mother Ruth portrayed by Stephen Guarino who excelled at a greatly performed bitch fit! The energy was high in both, that were great coupled and solo! Aboard the rest of the ship was, Darren Bennett as Captain Victor and Luigi, whose energy did not dim, if anything it grew! His energy was solid throughout and his rendition of I Drove all Night was very well performed. Fellow Seaman Layton Williams also was such a joy to watch, how many people can turn to you and say – I play an Iceberg? Well Layton can, and with pride cause girl was sharp, and slayed! Charlotte Wakefield rendition of All By Myself was a powerful hit, which allowed to show off her beautiful vocals, which again was a personal highlight being a song that many of us have related to at some point in their life – if not, you will.

There is no denying that this musical is unique, a new approach to musical theatre but when you see it, your cheeks will hurt from smiling if not from laughing non stop. Titanique – Shante you stay.

Playing at the Criterion Theatre, for all ticket information, dates and times head to their website, Here – you will not be disappointed! It really kick started my 2025 viewing with a splash!