REHEARSALS are well under way for Frome Musical Theatre Company’s production of ‘Titanic the musical’.
Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, ‘Titanic the musical’ is a stunning and stirring production, focusing on the hopes and dreams of her passengers and their fateful journey to America on April 10th 1912.
Cast member Darren Golay will be playing 2nd Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller who was the officer in charge of loading passengers into lifeboats. He was the most senior member of the crew to survive the Titanic disaster, having been blown from the ship in an explosion, and managing to cling onto the upturned lifeboat Collapsible ‘B’ until his rescue.
Frome Times caught up with cast member Darren to find out more about the upcoming musical.
What can you tell us about 2nd Officer Charles Herbert Lightoller?
“My character, 2nd Officer Lightoller, is 3rd in command on the Titanic. He is an extremely experienced sailor who after a traumatic childhood, took to the sea at the age of 13. He has served on numerous ships and already had one shipwreck under his belt even before joining the Titanic. He is very much a professional, disciplined officer who would do anything for his Captain and will follow his every command without fail.”
Are there any similarities between you and your character in real life?
“Like 2nd Officer Lightoller, I have spent much of my life in various forms of military and civil forces. I think I understand the pressures that sometimes accompany wearing a uniform and also believe I know a little about the sense of belonging when you are part of a disciplined team. I am just thankful I have never been in the situation where I had to make the life or death decisions he had to make that fateful night.”
How are rehearsals going?
“I personally have found the rehearsals quite challenging after a break from musical theatre of 23 years, but it is a challenge I am enjoying immensely. This cast is a wonderfully talented bunch and although I’m one of the older members, I am also one of the most inexperienced and am learning much from them.”
Do you have a favourite moment or song in the show you are particularly looking forward to performing?
“There are so many fantastic moments in this musical it is difficult to name but one, but if you were to tie me down to one piece, the song ‘To the Lifeboats’ has it all for me. Power and emotion. In matter of fact, I find myself getting quite emotional performing in it. An absolutely heart-breaking scene.”
What can people expect when they take their seats for Titanic?
“Audiences can expect a roller coaster of emotions. Visually amazing with some of the most powerful music I personally have heard in a musical. Definitely one not to miss.”
‘Titanic the musical’ runs from Tuesday 8th – Saturday 12th May at 7.30pm with a matinee also on Saturday 12th at 2.30pm at the Frome Memorial Theatre.
Tickets are on sale from the theatre box office open 9.30am – 1pm Monday to Saturday, call 01373 462795 or book online at www.fromememorial theatre.org.uk; adults £16, conc. £14, party booking £13 (bookings of ten or more people).