Titanic parody musical Titanique has the kind of concept that you either get on board with instantly or not – but we're here to tell him you that even if you're sceptical, you wouldn't regret it if you drove all night to see it.
Céline Dion interrupts a Titanic museum tour to tell the 'real story' of what happened on that fateful night in 1912 and the ill-fated romance between Jack and Rose. Yes, Céline was really there and she's going to use her classic songs to tell the story.
Titanique has more in common with last year's Cruel Intentions musical than other movies reimagined as musicals on the West End right now, such as The Devil Wears Prada and Back to the Future. Céline's songs have been hilariously reinvented to fit with classic scenes including, of course, that much-debated moment that Rose cruelly didn't let Jack on the door.
It shouldn't work as well as it does, but it's hard to imagine a funnier West End show this year – and, yes, we know it's only January.
Buy Titanique tickets at TodayTix
Before you worry that it's in bad taste since it was a real-life disaster, Titanique is a parody specifically of James Cameron's hit movie. Not just the movie itself, but the various memes it's spawned, alongside other pop culture moments and wider theatre references. Even if you don't recognise every reference, it'll shortly be followed by one you do.
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The relentless energy across the musical's 100-minute runtime from both its gag-rate and excellent cast sees it through its weaker beats. Not everything lands and some gags go on a bit longer than they should, but it's part of the show's charm that it feels improvised even when it isn't, apart from one genius section that's different every show.
Titanique's creators Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli haven't just ported the show from its successful Off-Broadway production. UK-specific references have been added and the book seemingly updated daily for the latest pop culture meme, constantly evolving it for repeat viewings (which you'll absolutely want to do).
Crucially, it might be a comedic reinvention of Céline's songs, but they're treated with affection and delivered impeccably. Lauren Drew has the tough task of stepping into Céline's shoes and she brilliantly replicates her mannerisms and vocal delivery, even as Céline's ego is ramped up as she constantly interrupts Jack and Rose's story.
Buy Titanique tickets at LoveTheatre
Céline might be the real draw, but there are stars everywhere you look among the cast. Stephen Guarino is fantastic as Rose's horrible mother Ruth, especially in a show-stopping rant, while Layton Williams takes on multiple roles including, most importantly, the Iceberg in the show's most audacious sequence that it'd be cruel to spoil.
Special mention too has to go to the trio of on-stage vocalists – Adrianne Langley, Madison Swan and Rodney Vubya – who double as Céline's backing singers and deliver powerhouse vocals. It might be a small ensemble and band, but Titanique sounds huge which adds to the cabaret/drag show vibe.
If we haven't made it clear already, Titanique is not a serious show. It's incredibly silly, very camp and everybody is in on the joke. It will have you crying with laughter in the first few minutes, and it's quite possible you won't stop throughout.
Is Titanique perfect? Not quite, but that doesn't stop it being consistently funny and often outrageous. It's a truly joyful night out, and don't we all need that right now?
How to buy Titanique tickets
Titanique is running now at London's Criterion Theatre and is currently booking until Sunday, June 8, with performances at 7.30pm Tuesday to Saturday, 7pm on Sunday and 3pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets are on sale now for all performances from the likes of TodayTix, LoveTheatre and London Theatre Direct, with tickets priced from £30.
TodayTix also runs a daily Rush sale for limited last-minute tickets for only £25 via their app.
There is a strict age restriction of 12 years and older due to strong language and sexual references.
Titanique is now running at London's Criterion Theatre.
Movies Editor, Digital Spy Ian has more than 10 years of movies journalism experience as a writer and editor. Starting out as an intern at trade bible Screen International, he was promoted to report and analyse UK box-office results, as well as carving his own niche with horror movies, attending genre festivals around the world. After moving to Digital Spy, initially as a TV writer, he was nominated for New Digital Talent of the Year at the PPA Digital Awards. He became Movies Editor in 2019, in which role he has interviewed 100s of stars, including Chris Hemsworth, Florence Pugh, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba and Olivia Colman, become a human encyclopedia for Marvel and appeared as an expert guest on BBC News and on-stage at MCM Comic-Con. Where he can, he continues to push his horror agenda – whether his editor likes it or not.
