Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg

Sydney audiences have seen Titanic retold in many ways, but never quite like this. Titanique, the wildly irreverent and hilariously over-the-top parody, has made its way to Australian shores, and it’s safe to say: this ship is sailing full speed ahead on waves of comedy, nostalgia, and powerhouse vocals.

From the moment the curtain rises, Titanique makes one thing clear: this is no ordinary retelling. The show seamlessly blends parody, musical theatre, and pop culture references, turning the tragic love story into a campy, comedic extravaganza. Céline Dion herself (or at least a hilariously exaggerated version of her) serves as our narrator, guiding the audience through an alternative version of events – one filled with unexpected twists, exaggerated melodrama, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

A show this over-the-top demands a cast with impeccable comedic timing and vocal prowess, and this production delivers on both fronts. Matthew Pridney brings charm and charisma to the role of Jack, capturing the youthful spirit of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character while adding his own unique comedic flair. His chemistry with Titanique’s Rose makes for a delightfully playful take on the classic love story.

Speaking of Rose, the role is brought to life by Georgina Hobson with stunning vocals and comedic brilliance, effortlessly balancing sincerity and satire. But perhaps the biggest scene-stealer of the night is Rose’s mother Ruth, played by a Stephen Anderson in a gloriously exaggerated performance. With impeccable comedic timing, this portrayal turns an otherwise stern character into one of the night’s comedic highlights, drawing some of the loudest laughter from the audience.

Adding to the magic is Jenni Little as the legendary Unsinkable Molly Brown. Her show-stopping rendition of All By Myself was one of the absolute highlights of the evening – delivered with both humor and true vocal power. This was one of those rare moments when the show allowed the audience to pause and truly take in the sheer talent onstage.

Nicely complementing the main characters were the ensemble members, who played multiple roles throughout the evening, transitioning between different characters with ease and keeping the energy high. Their ability to switch seamlessly between high-energy choreography, comedic bits, and backing vocals added depth to the production and reinforced the show’s fast-paced, chaotic fun.

The strength of Titanique lies in its ability to make audiences laugh, but at times, the relentless comedy bordered on overwhelming. Some moments were so packed with jokes and absurdity that one wished for a slight breather – to simply enjoy the incredible vocal performances without the next punchline cutting in. However, despite the non-stop humor, the production still managed to tell the story of Titanic in a way that felt fresh and surprisingly heartfelt.

A clear highlight was the grand finale featuring My Heart Will Go On, which turned into a joyous audience singalong. The music throughout the night was performed with both technical excellence and infectious energy, ensuring that even the most outrageous comedic moments were grounded in solid musicality.

With its vibrant energy, dynamic performances, and unapologetic humor, Titanique offers a night of pure entertainment. It is, at its core, a love letter to both Titanic and Céline Dion, wrapped in a delightfully absurd package that never takes itself too seriously. Whether you’re a devoted fan of the 1997 film, a lover of musical theatre, or simply in need of a good laugh, Titanique is one voyage you won’t want to miss.

As the audience left the theatre – some still humming My Heart Will Go On – there was no doubt that Titanique had accomplished its mission: to deliver a night of laughter, music, and over-the-top theatrical brilliance.

All Pictures by Daniel Boud