NOW BOOKING

BOARDING pass at the ready. A Titanic Experience awaits diners at The Old Bell Hotel in Sadler Gate, Derby, in April.

The final hours of the maiden voyage of RMS Titanic are being narrated in a unique theatrical dining event.

Alongside extracts of memoirs from survivors and stories about some who did not survive, actors will portray key characters whose actions and decisions had such a dramatic impact on the fateful night including Captain J Smith, other crew members and J Bruce Ismay, Director of the White Star Line.

The immersive theatre will be interspersed with two very different dining experiences – recreating life on board for first-class and steerage passengers.

The Old Bell’s Grand Regency Ballroom will provide the setting for Titanic’s luxurious firstclass dining room. Guests will enjoy the fivecourse dinner which was served aboard the Titanic on April 14, 1912.

Alternatively, guests can opt to experience life as a third class passenger below deck with a simple but hearty menu to the rousing tunes of the folk fiddle.

At the end of the evening, the sinking of the Titanic will be marked by heart-pounding sounds and lighting blending with the string quartet playing Nearer, My God, To Thee before an eerie silence.

Paul Hurst, owner of The Old Bell, said: “The Old Bell is the perfect venue for such an event as the ballroom was originally created in the early 20th century and inspired by cruise ships of the era.

“We hope that everyone will add to the atmosphere by dressing up appropriately for their positions as either first-class or steerage passengers and immerse themselves in the raw emotions that were felt by the crew and passengers as the tragedy unfolded. “

Titanic sets sail at 7pm and finishes at 10.30pm on Sunday, April 26. Tickets cost £49.95 for firstclass and £39.95 for steerage. Tickets: bellhotelderby.co. uk/event/titanic-diningexperience/