Review Titanic the Musical
St Mary’s Players at The Redgrave Theatre
WOW, what a performance by the SMP! A truly respectful and honest telling of one of the most familiar stories known.
With the large cast assembled by director Steve Woolley and MD Paul Woolley, the Titanic set sail for America in the opening number, which skilfully introduced every crew member and passenger before ending on a wave of hands to mirror the movement of the ocean.
It was like a finale and was met with such an ovation from the audience you had to think ‘where do we go from here? The only way is down’.
No need for concern, though, as the show kept on coming and the ensemble pieces continued to amaze with the multiple layering and challenging rhythms.
The set design, costumes, props and make-up were all first class and the impression of opulence was achieved beautifully.
The magnificent Simon Gregory, playing captain EJ Smith, skilfully navigated the ship towards the inevitable conclusion; think of Bernard Hill in Titanic the movie with a singing voice and you will know what I mean.
His total authority shone through every scene. With many strong performances throughout, it is impossible to name everyone.
Craig Broadbear as Thomas Andrews had real vocal control in his opening solo, Dan Masters as Bruce Ismay embodied the character of the ‘company first’ owner and the show was almost stolen completely by George Friend playing the Steward, Henry Etches.
His characterisation was brilliant and he delivered his lines superbly.
Alison Lockyer and Carl Fraser worked well together as the social climbing Alice and Edgar Beane, while the delightful trio of Cassidy Worlock, Lisa Stiff and Nicola Trafford, all called Kate, gave us all a view of life in third class.
I could go on and on but feel that the final word should be for Geoff Cummins and Kathryn Francis, playing the lovely Isidor and Ida Straus, refusing to be parted and declaring their love for each other right up to the end with their duet Still.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the time they had finished and they received a special ‘whoop’ from the audience at curtain call.
What else can I say other than I loved it, probably the best amateur production I have ever seen.
The show runs until Saturday – go and see it.