Titanique Docks in the West End: Celine Dion and Titanic Combine for a Hilarious New Musical Comedy

The West End has welcomed a new musical comedy that promises to make waves: Titanique. The UK premiere began performances at the Criterion Theatre on 9 December, offering London audiences a unique blend of pop diva Celine Dion’s iconic music with the beloved story of the Titanic disaster.

Titanique is a laugh-out-loud parody that combines the music of Celine Dion with the blockbuster 1997 film Titanic, creating a musical experience unlike any other. Featuring hit songs such as “My Heart Will Go On,” “All By Myself,” and “To Love You More,” this comedic reimagining of the iconic film has become an off-Broadway sensation since its premiere in 2022.

Co-written by Tye Blue, Marla Mindelle, and Constantine Rousouli, Titanique debuted off-Broadway at the Asylum Theater in June 2022, where it quickly became a crowd favorite, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards. The show’s success led to a transfer to the Daryl Roth Theatre in November 2022, where it continued to captivate audiences with its over-the-top humor and memorable music. After thrilling New York audiences, Titanique now brings its unique brand of comedy to London.

The West End cast is set to bring the show’s zany charm to life, with Darren Bennett taking on the role of Victor Garber/Luigi, and WhatsOnStage Award winner Lauren Drew playing the central role of Céline Dion. The cast also includes Jordan Luke Gage (nominated for a WhatsOnStage Award) as Cal, Daytime Emmy nominee Stephen Guarino as Ruth, and Rob Houchen (also a WhatsOnStage Award nominee) as Jack. Kat Ronney will star as Rose, and Charlotte Wakefield will bring Molly Brown to life, while Layton Williams will take on the role of the Iceberg.

The production is directed by Tye Blue, known for his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race, and choreographed by Ellenore Scott, whose previous credits include Funny Girl and Little Shop of Horrors. Music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations are handled by IRNE Award winner Nicholas James Connell, with a creative team that includes set designers Gabriel Hainer Evansohn and Grace Laubacher, costume designer Alejo Vietti, and lighting designer Paige Seber.

Titanique has already proven to be a success in the off-Broadway scene, winning seven major awards during the 2022/23 theatre season, including three Lucille Lortel Awards, the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Musical, and two Dorian Awards. The musical’s ability to blend the blockbuster appeal of Titanic with Dion’s timeless hits has earned it a dedicated following and critical praise.

With its press night scheduled for 9 January 2025, Titanique is poised to become one of the most talked-about shows in London, offering a perfect mix of nostalgia, humor, and show-stopping music that will leave audiences singing along and laughing out loud.