Titanic The Musical

Produced, Directed and Choreographed
by
Ian Clark

Musical Director
Lou Bundy

Additional Passengers & Crew

Kim Chalker, Yvonne Frampton, Julie Johanssen,
Bronwyn Mason, Ian McDonald, Val Sykes, Pat White,
Sarah Winship, Brian Youngman

After the show

Titanic show leaves operatic society with sinking feeling

Denmead Operatic Society featured in an article in the Portsmouth News - click here to read about how the costs of performing Titanic threatened the very future of the Society.

Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of Society Members paying their subscriptions early and a number of fund-raising events (Murder Mystery Evenings and Quiz Nights), the Society is now back on an even keel financially.

Denmead Operatic Nominated
for News Guide Awards

The Society was very excited to be nominated in the "Best Amateur Musical" category for the annual Portsmouth News Guide Awards. We were even more delighted to get through to the final six and were up against some stiff competition from other local groups. Sadly, we lost out in the end to Portsmouth Players' production of Beauty and the Beast.

Reviews

"Expansive and Stunning"

Colin Channon - The News 8th June 2012

Since 1933, Denmead Operatic Society has been performing all manner of productions. From the serious stuff to slapstick; Gilbert and Sullivan to panto and 'Allo 'Allo. Never before though, has it tried anything so expensive, so expansive and so ambitious.

The cast of 45 tell the story of the ill-fated launch of the Titanic, its first - and last - journey, 100 years after its sinking.

This is no Kate Winslet whimsy. This is the warts-and-all story of class distinction, and of one man's ambition of owning the fastest, most luxurious liner the world had ever seen.

The increasingly strained relationship between Captain E.J. Smith (Will Donnelly), ship owner Joesph Ismay (Kerry Applin) and designer Thomas Andrews (Ian Clark) is the dominant factor; and all three actors rise superbly to the challenge.

For Clark, who also directs, the production is a major triumph.

The large cast provide moments of real humour and pathos in equal measure as they explore human foibles and relationships.

The world's richest people were enjoying life in the first class cabins; those who wanted to be among the elite were below decks. But each had a story to tell.

The set is imaginative, in the confines of the small theatre at Park Community School, and adds to the stark realities faced by those who learned the hard way that they faced certain death.

A stunning night showing the polish of eight months of rehearsals.

"I Run Out of Superlatives"

John E. Thomas - NODA - 9th June 2012

I find I run out of superlatives to describe this show mounted by this Society. The singing was wonderfully executed and the sound the cast achieved was as good as any you would hear on a professional stage. All the principals' singing was strong and I find it difficult to single out any particular one. This, together with the cast, whose acting was superb from beginning to end, leaving the audience almost spellbound. I find it impossible to find a fault in the whole show.

Aside from the many cast members in the full story, Will Donnelly was ideal as Captain Smith, dignified in accepting blame for the disaster after a blazing row with J Bruce Ismay (Kerry Applin), Chairman of the White Star Line and Thomas Andrews (Ian Clark). They argued about whose fault it was, providing one of the high points of the show. Another one was the moving scene when fighting broke out in the rush to get to the lifeboats, and third class passengers were turned back at pistol point by Lightoller (Mike Powell) and other members of the crew, under orders from the Captain.

Everyone in the cast, whether first, second or third class passengers or crew, deserves praise for their portrayals of the real people who sailed on the Titanic. Director Ian Clark created superb stage pictures and treated the story with the respect it deserved. Lou Bundy and her musicians also deserve praise for their handling of a complicated score and producing a magnificent sound. I fear a lot of people will regret not having seen this superb production. Well done!

"Extremely Polished"

Ken Smith - Mayor of Havant - June 2012

Denmead Operatic Society performed this musical to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the loss of the Titanic.

This was an extremely polished and well produced show and the cast were excellent. Both the individual and ensemble performances could hardly have been bettered.

Performed at Park Community School in Leigh Park, the matinee performance that we saw was almost sold out.

The company worked very hard before the run of the show with rehearsals, set building and wardrobe taking time to perfect. The lighting was very effective and the stage crew deserve a mention for their scene shifting.

NODA Accolade of Excellence

Accolade of Excellence Certificate (above)

Director Ian Clark with NODA Regional Rep
John E. Thomas
(left top)

Society Members with Ian and the Certificate
(left bottom)