THE unsinkable Durham Musical Theatre Company takes on Maury Yeston's relatively new musical version of the Titanic story, and the company rises to the challenge with admirable professionalism.

Not knowing anything about the piece I had no idea what to expect - would there be water sloshing about? Would the female lead come tripping down the steps to the bridge in tap shoes?

I have to say that I was taken by surprise and completely bowled over. The piece manages to be inspiring, dignified and entertaining all at once; there are lighter moments provided by Delia McNally as socially ambitious Alice Beane, and the Irish jig scene in Steerage is jolly.

But it's the ensemble pieces that really raise the goosebumps - 80 people belting out the almost hymn-like music is riveting stuff. Among the very fine voices, Anthony Smith and young Sam Lupton particularly stood out.

The acting and movement on stage were first-class, generating genuine emotion in the audience.

Towards the end of the first half, as the great ship approaches the iceberg, passengers are on deck in evening clothes as the lookout scans the seas.

The ominous music rises to a crescendo and the tension and sense of foreboding are real, even though you know what's coming: it's almost a relief as the cry goes up 'Iceberg dead ahead!'. There's great poignancy in Still, a love song from elderly Isidor and Ida Strauss, and a moment when a child stands bewildered, with a model of the ship in his hands.

The performance takes nearly three hours, longer than it took the actual Titanic to sink, and it's hugely impressive.

Published: 27/02/2006