As Titanique marks its milestone first anniversary in London’s West End and Broadway sets sail this Spring, the Olivier-winning director and co-writer invites us inside his brilliantly unhinged mind to reveal how his love for the ultimate Canadian music icon helped build a global theatrical phenomenon.

We dive into the show’s key development stages — from cut songs and jokes that didn’t survive the final draft to the iconic leading ladies who’ve steered the production around the world — and why no two performances aboard the Ship of Dreams are ever the same.

He also unpacks the joyful chaos of the improv section, shares some of his favourite outrageous moments from the original Céline and co-creator Marla Mindelle, and explains why “punching up” is essential when making a show of this style — including how Titanique always honours the lives lost on the infamous ship.

Plus: how a bottle of wine and a “what if?” launched Broadway dreams, the alternate titles that nearly happened, and what he thinks Céline herself would make of it all.

Note: This episode was recorded before the announcement of Titanique setting sail on Broadway this Spring.

Host: William J Connolly

Produced by: William J Connolly/Darren Bell

titaniquemusical.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices