Christiana Rose on unsinkable comedy and power ballads afloat at the Criterion Theatre

The sign for the musical Titanique outside the Criterion Theatre — (Credit – Christiana Rose)

Few jukebox musicals can claim to be as joyously unhinged as Titanique, which is now docking at the Criterion Theatre in London. This riotous parody of James Cameron’s iconic film is part spoof, part Céline Dion tribute concert, and entirely a delight.

The cast commit and deliver with infectious energy and comic precision. Lauren Drew’s Céline Dion is the show’s glittering figurehead, equal parts diva and delirious narrator, belting out legendary ballads while gleefully rewriting Titanic’s tragic voyage. Her comic timing is impeccable, elevating Céline’s melodramatic persona, without ever losing the warmth which makes it feel affectionate rather than cynical.

Kate Winslet’s wide-eyed Rose is winningly played by Hiba Elchikhe, with a playful, dance led take on De Caprio’s Jack played by Luke Bayer. Billy Zane’s deliciously dastardly Cal is played with zest by Richard Carson.

The ensemble shine, slipping in and out of multiple characters, from Darren Bennett as Victor Garber and Luigi, to Tosh Wanogho-Maud as the sassy Tourguide, bold Seaman and the sharp diva Iceberg.

The choreography by Ellenore Scott is intentionally comedic but slick, with director Tye Blue ensuring the farce never loses pace. The talented Tye Blue is additionally the co-writer of the the musical with Marla Mindelle and Constantine Rousouli.

Every line and lyric drips with self-awareness; with references to musicals, films and famous quotes landing well. The offering trusts the audience are sufficiently well informed to catch the dialogue, which is thoroughly layered with intertextuality, largely thanks to a cast determined to wring every laugh from the material.

Highlights came in the form of an epic explosive rant from Rose’s mother Ruth, dynamically played by Carl Mullaney, riotously reaching their limits and the sublime vocals from Charlotte Wakefield as Molly Brown regaling the audience with All By Myself. With no interval the action sails by, but when the band strikes up My Heart Will Go On, it’s impossible not to be swept along by the sheer wonder and joyous absurdity of it all. Above all, Celine’s moments of takeover are pure comedic gold.

In the plush intimacy of the Criterion, Titanique feels like a glitter cannon of joy exploding in the West End’s heart. For an irreverent, nostalgia-fuelled theatrical experience, it’s a voyage well worth boarding.

4 stars

Titanique at the Criterion Theatre in London, is playing until January 4, 2026.

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