PATRICK MARMION reviews Titanique at the Criterion Theatre in London: Titanic fun…with Celine’s doppelganger

PATRICK MARMION reviews Titanique at the Criterion Theatre in London: Titanic fun...with Celine's doppelganger

Titanique (Criterion Theatre, London)

The alluring melodies of Celine Dion are incredibly powerful. Her voice, with its hair-raising vibrato and heartrending sweetness, has the potential to cause trouble for maritime navigation.

However, don’t let that deter you from reserving your ticket for this humorous take on the iconic movie Titanic (1997) by James Cameron.

In simpler terms, a woman who strongly resembles the famous singer Celine Dewi Soraya from Wales, named Lauren Drew, seizes control of a tour at the visitor center of the sunken ship, and shares what she claims is the real (or perhaps delusional) account of her survival from the well-known shipwreck.

Under the rhythm of Celine’s top songs, the next 100 minutes unfold with ironclad, seaworthy emotional intensity at the peak notes.

Guided by Celine’s hit tunes, we journey through a solid, sea-worthy display of high-pitched emotionality for the next 100 minutes.

In addition, we discover that the heart-shaped diamond presented to Rose, Kate Winslet’s character, was not from Asprey & Garrard but rather Claire’s; her mother’s pearls did not originate from an upscale store like Tiffany & Co., but instead were purchased at TK Maxx; and her wealthy suitor boasts a doughnut wall on the online platform Pinterest.

In contrast to her imaginings of a shimmering disco ball, Drew’s agile and graceful portrayal of Celine features cascading golden wavy hair and a sequined dress slit high, as she energetically moves among the performers while sharing her perspective in the narrative.

PATRICK MARMION reviews Titanique at the Criterion Theatre in London: Titanic fun...with Celine's doppelganger

Besides possessing a larynx capable of handling the powerful vocals typical of a chanteuse, such as those found in the hit song “My Heart Will Go On,” Drew also skillfully mimics Celine Dion’s unique French-Canadian accent.

However, Kat Ronney nearly outshines Celine with an outstanding performance as Rose, stealing the spotlight from her flared nostrils.

Or, more casually:

Kat Ronney almost overshadows Celine in her role as Rose, leaving her flared nostrils in the dust with a stunning performance.

Ronney displays exceptional acting talent, boasting expressive, captivating eyes, powerful vocals reminiscent of songs such as “To Love You More,” and an intriguing knack for suggestive scenes, notably in the steamy number “Because You Loved Me” (which features a prop plastic eggplant).

In the rephrased version, Rob Houchen portrays his character Jack (similar to Leonardo DiCaprio’s role in the movie), who initially comes across as a vigorous opportunist. However, he gets apprehended for swiping the diamond and is subsequently sent to a lower area, accompanied by Dua Lipa.

This show in the West End is among the most joyful ones I’ve attended, with each performer making sure to engage the audience by looking directly at them, ensuring they are reciprocating the gaze.

The team works in unison, much like galley slaves, whether it’s Jordan Luke Gage’s wealthy character Cal with his unusual falsetto or Layton Williams’ Tina Turner-inspired drag queen who declares the sinking of the Titanic with a bold statement: “I am the iceberg, darling!” This then ignites a competition reminiscent of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Richard J. Hinds’s audacious performance might primarily appeal to fans of Celine Dion, experts on the Titanic, groups celebrating hen nights, or attendees of drag parties.

However, I would argue that its widespread appeal could sustain it for many months, or perhaps even years. In other words, Titanique is simply fantastic!

The Lightening Thief (The Other Palace Theatre, London)

From Rick Riordan’s initial children’s book, “The Lightning Thief” can be seen as a reimagining of Greek mythology set in the context of a lively high-school musical, incorporating elements reminiscent of Dora The Explorer’s preschool escapades.

Despite the 2010 movie’s computer-generated imagery, it’s a charming, DIY celebration of geek culture where our semi-divine protagonist, Percy Jackson, embarks on a quest to retrieve Zeus’s misplaced lightning bolt from the Underworld.

Characterized by ADHD and dyslexia, the somewhat misplaced Percy embarks on his journey, similar to Dora in her adventures, with loyal companions – Grover, a stand-in for the deity Pan’s heir and squirrel ally, and Annabeth, a child of Athena who vanquishes arrogance.

Similarly to Dora, Percy carries a crucial backpack filled with specialized items such as a magical pen, seashells, and bus tickets.

Enjoying Joe Tracz and Rob Rokicki’s predominantly soft-rock musical primarily comes from its imaginative production and fast-paced storytelling.

Best lyric: ‘Things couldn’t be worse, when your parents run the universe.’

In a worn, futuristic landscape, characters with both human and animal traits sport ragtag clothing enhanced by animal limb accessories. Added to this are instances where the style mirrors that of a rockstar, as humans, horses, and eternal beings intertwine their identities.

On the occasion when Max Harwood was unable to perform, Morgan Gregory stepped up admirably, demonstrating great skill and determination as he took on the role of Percy, showcasing his exceptional yodeling abilities.

Additionally, Scott Folan’s humorous portrayal of Grover and Jessica Lee’s spirited Annabeth were enjoyable. However, the story is a collective endeavor, focusing on teenage themes such as camaraderie and personal worth.

Instead of booking themselves, older patrons might opt to reserve a spot for their teenage children, providing them with an opportunity for a fun-filled, energetic evening out at the nearby pub instead.

Titanique runs until March 30; The Lightning Thief until August 31.

2025-01-10 04:32

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