Titanique, Criterion Theatre Review
Written by Annie for Theatre and Tonic
All aboard! Titanique has officially docked in London after much awaited anticipation. The show that has taken Broadway, Sydney, Toronto and Montreal by storm is officially in the West End, and we could not wait to see what all the hype was about.
On the surface, a show that sells itself as being “the story of Titanic, but from Celine Dion’s perspective’ really doesn’t give much away but opens an entire barrel of questions. What on earth could that possibly entail? Are they serious? How does that even work?! It's fair to say the show is totally bonkers, but absolutely mesmerising.
Using Dion’s iconic repertoire for the soundtrack, along with a few original songs, the show packs a punch not only for killer vocals but for insane belly laughs. The songs offer all the success you’d find with a jukebox musical, whilst still enabling ‘Celine’ to shine as a brilliant caricature of the singer.
I was lucky enough to see the understudy Celine - Kristina Walz - who made her West End debut and has transferred with the show from New York. What a talent she is, not only for her incredible voice, but her spot-on depiction of Dion - her physical comedy was truly mesmerising. Unfortunately, Lauren Drew (Celine Dion) was off with illness, but I no doubt will be booking a return trip and already look forward to seeing her smash the role.
The staging is kept simple, yet effective for its purpose, it really allows the talent of the writing to shine. The cast moves with such energy and slick staging that there isn’t a dull moment from start to finish.
As with the ever-growing trend for one-act plays/musicals - I was a little apprehensive that the 1hr 40 would potentially have a lull or feel slightly too long, but the show flew by and I couldn’t believe how quickly it felt. This is indeed high praise for the show’s writers’ (Marla Mindelle, Constantine Rousouli & Tye Blue) abilities.
Although I haven't seen the show in another city, it’s evident what makes it so successful is the writer’s amending the script to relate to their local audience. The show is full of UK social cues and memes, and I've not heard an audience laugh so loudly as a collective on numerous occasions in a theatre before. The show has worked out how to appeal and adapt and I think that’s its beauty, so many shows struggle to make the jump abroad as their humour is very insular, so it’s such a joy to see a writing board that can metamorphose to suit a new culture’s humour.
The West End cast of Titanique are also superbly considered - all playing with such natural humour and camp satire, it’s a total thrill to watch them have so much fun on the stage. Stephen Guarino as Ruth is just pure genius, his ability to ad lib and encourage audience participation was brilliant. Layton Williams’ Tina Turner was not on the 2025 bingo card but it’s something I now don’t think I could live without having witnessed. Jordan Luke Gage & Rob Houchen deliver otherworldly vocals and play off of one another excellently. Kat Ronney wonderfully brings the role of Rose to life, and Charlotte Wakefield dazzles as Molly Brown.
The on stage band wonderfully integrates with the cast, playing off of one another, which adds another layer of fun to the show whilst in keeping with the feel of a concert where required.
I don’t think anyone was expecting a spoof musical of an adored film would take the world by storm as much as it has, and although it felt like a total camp fever dream, I utterly adored the show and cannot wait for the bonkers show to continue on its uphill trajectory!
At Criterion Theatre until 31 May 2025. Book your tickets on the London Box Office website.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
