KEEN theatre-goers experienced an emotional journey of unfulfilled desires, limitless ambition and tragedy at the Everyman Theatre this week.
Musical theatre fans from across the county flocked to Cheltenham to see the tenth anniversary production of Titanic The Musical.
This special production encompassed the holy trio that musicals should strive for; colourful characterisation, lively musical numbers and seamless choreography.
Titanic The Musical follows the real life stories of those that boarded the RMS Titanic (sorry no floppy-haired Leo in this one) on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.
It was an enthralling history lesson depicting the evolving society structures of the 1910s and unveiled all the pivotal decisions that led to one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century.
Through energetic choreography and heart-felt moments, the production contrasted the stories of third class immigrants who dreamed of a better life in America with the aristocrats who anticipated that this journey would contribute towards their lasting legacies.
Chris Nevin and Lucie-Mae Summer brilliantly performed the charming blossoming romance between Jim Farrell and Kate McGowan.
Meanwhile, David Delve and Valda Avis provoked tissues in the audience with their display of unwavering loyalty, as devoted wife Ida chooses to stay with her husband, Macy's co-owner Isidor Straus, rather than go on a lifeboat.
Ian Mclarnon, Graham Bickley and Martin Allanson provided the audience with a fiery display of arguments which transpired between the ship designer, captain and renowned businessman J. Bruce Ismay.
The trio's interactions educated the audience of three factors - faulty designs, repetitive iceberg warnings and the desire for speed above safety - which some historians have pinpointed as the critical reasons behind the Titanic's downfall.
The dramatic fall of ship designer Thomas Andrew was choreographed excellently, cleverly crafting a moment of panic and despair with flashing lights that was immediately followed by a pause of darkness.
A list of the 1517 men, women and children who lost their lives that day descended from the ceiling in a moving penultimate scene.
The standing ovation that the production received on Tuesday credits the outstanding work of Maury Yeston, who was in charge of music and lyrics, and the story writer Peter Stone.
This production will now embark on its next leg of the tour in Edinburgh.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here