Titaníque ★★★★ Criterion Theatre | Until January 4, 2026


No holiday plans? What about a cruise? This hilarious spoof of the classic film could be the perfect getaway. It's all aboard for loads of fun in this nauti rewriting of Jack and Rose's soppy sea voyage in which all that sentimentality is replaced by a boatload of silliness. Acting as our guide to this gay romp is a ubiquitous Céline Dion who manages to insert herself into every situation while belting out the ballads that are her trademark. Hilariously played by Lauren Drew, Celine, with all her quirky mannerisms, is everywhere. She seizes any opportunity to upstage hapless Jack, pricelessly played by Luke Bayer, and his mousy mistress Rose, amusingly interpreted by Hiba Elchikhe. In fact, there are only a couple of points in this show when the irrepressible Céline finds herself pushed to the stern boat. As the ruthless Ruth, Rose's pushy mother, Carl Mullaney, delivers an epic rant that makes Gypsy's Mama Rose look like a nurturer. That tirade is a comic highpoint of the show which is only matched by Tosh Wanogho-Maud's channelling of the iceberg, Tina Turner and RuPaul. This tongue-in-cheek trifecta deservedly brings down the house, and the lip-sync-for-your-life scene is a classic. The more one is acquainted with the icons of popular culture, the more fun there is in this show. The allusions come in constant waves, and the references to events are right up to the minute. The writers clearly run a tight ship and keep the show current. For some risqué, escapist fun look no further. This Titaníque is as fresh as a sea breeze and it provides some side-splittingly smooth sailing.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Mark Senior

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 218-223 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HR, UK

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