Why Titanique is the Best New Theatre Show of 2025 in Sydney
For any theatre lover in Sydney, you’ve probably been bombarded with all the Titanique ads on Facebook in the last 3 months. And to be honest, it’s all worth it.
I know we’re all sick of hearing phrases like ‘you cannot miss this’ or ‘this is the show for the ages’, but that’s not really the case for Titanique. Now showing until June, it’s well deserving of such a run. From the moment Celine F*ing Dion herself was revealed on stage, I was starstruck seeing the gorgeous Marney McQueen in the flesh just over a metre away from my seat.
From surface level, you’re expecting Celine Dion songs, mildly ambiguous references to the movie Titanic, or that it’s probably a comedy. But what you weren’t expecting is a refreshing piece of theatre. This immediately takes the cake of Must-Watch in 2025. This show knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be profound, it knows it’s ridiculous and owns it. The writing points it out – the cast know what to do, they know their motivations, they know when to go big, and the audience embraces it for a full 90 minutes.
I found the show’s pacing to be appropriate and pretty smooth. The show knew when to take breaks from the main plot and when to go back to the big stage numbers which kept us on our toes. The show had brevity. The transitions were crisp, though that’s also a massive credit to the writing itself. It’s difficult to keep audiences paying attention for an uninterrupted length with no intermission. Titanique soars through its run time.
The tiny stage has a simplistic design, yet is perfectly utilised in this production. I knew where we were at any part of the show without any of the bells and whistles of fancy high-budget set pieces or unnecessary background projections/LED screens that are all the rage these days. It’s simple yet highly effective. And sometimes, that’s all you need to be.
Titanique even commits a ‘theatre sin’ that I have a disdain for, which is: cast members going through the audience. I found it appropriate for this show, especially for the small stage. The show revolves around Celine Dion telling a story to the audience, and this made it feel natural. It felt like I was coming to a friend’s place to hang out. It even contributed depth to the movement and choreography. It didn’t feel forced.
The music itself is a chef’s kiss. The live band was visible to the audience which is always a plus. The vocals were 10 out of 10. Iconic songs were broadway-fied and paves its own path amongst traditional jukebox musicals. I enjoyed every song, and I wouldn’t consider one a “toilet break”.
Special mentions include Marney McQueen as THE Celine Dion: truly incredible and statuesque whilst also very hilarious. Georgina Hopson as Rose: lovable and very talented, being able to see her as Celine would be a reason I would come back. Drew Weston as Jack: kooky, dashing, and had the audience in the palm of his hands. Matt Lee as Victor Garber: a versatile performer and funny at every moment. Abigail Dixon as Molly Brown, a true professional with killer vocals.
The cherry on top of Titanique is the cast’s command of the stage. I enjoyed looking at the micro-moments, it’s what makes a production holistic and alive. Seeing what the other performers are doing and how they’re reacting to whatever the focal point is in a scene. It’s safe to say, I wasn’t disappointed. What makes this production really unique is that you’ll get something different every night. There are even moments where McQueen has to find something new to improvise based on current events, which adds to the show being very rewatchable. No two shows being the same is a breath of fresh air.
There’s something about live theatre I will always marvel at. The spectacle and the wonder of live performers and live music at arm’s reach. The word I often use to describe my enjoyment of theatre to my friends is “electric”. And it feels right to say: Come see Titanique at The Grand Electric, Surry Hills almost nightly (except Mondays).
Rating: 🚙🚙🚙🚙🚙/5
