TITANIC SERENADE

Commissioned by Banbridge M.S., NI author, Stewart Love, expanded his full length play "Titanic" into a musical incorporating many traditional Belfast songs and a couple of original pieces written by the Director and MD.

The first act featured local Belfast people watching the great ship being built; the second act was on board Titanic. The set was  steel trusses with authentic projections providing settings and atmosphere. Anthony Fitzpatrick acted as narrator (Harry), feeding little gems of historical information and moving the story on - he was ideal for the role.  Rosemary Kelly, Orla Reynolds and Lorraine Jackson-Brown played a threesome of local ladies -Cissie, Bella and Georgina. Rosemary sang beautifully; Georgina was a 'larger-than-life' character portrayed with energy and humour while Orla was the quieter one. All sang well together. Standing out from the local crowd were Rabbie (Brendan Magee) and Willie (Ken Hamilton).

Sir Bruce Ismay, Chairman of the White Star line (Edward Orr) and Lord Pirrie, Head of shipbuilding firm Harland & Wolfe (Chris Gorman) were brash and ambitious. More circumspect was Ian Davidson as Titanic's Designer, Thomas Andrews. Dennis McKeever was every inch the ship's captain (Smith), allowing his first officer Murdoch (Scott Skelton) to show a lighter side. Newcomer Aaron Frazer made a good Communications Officer (Phillips) as the situation became more serious. In 1st class, French passenger Michelle (Pamela McCullough) was delightfully flirtatious. Third class passengers enjoyed a jig played by genuine musicians on Pipes and Bodhran, and Irish immigrant Brigid (Claire Costello) sang the haunting “Macushla”  beautifully. Small roles and Chorus contributed enthusiastically.

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