THE very name Titanic resonates every time we hear it.

One of the greatest maritime disasters of all time continues to touch our hearts and minds.

The question is should it be the subject of a musical?

The answer is a resounding 'yes' when you experience Titanic The Musical which is an intelligent piece of majestic storytelling.

It celebrates above all else the force of the human spirit.

This all-sung production with words and music written by Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's book is a clever, striking piece of theatre that will always leave a lasting impression.

We hear about the ill-fated fated journey of the Belfast-built, Liverpool-registered RMS Titanic sailing on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York and the catastrophic collision with an iceberg along the way.

It has a beginning, a middle and an end with some beautiful and yet terrifying moments.

Director Thom Southerland does not give us special effects on a grand scale instead, on the static ship set dominated by rivets and rails, he allows our imaginations to work hand in hand with the superb lighting.

This is a tale of dreams.

This is also a factual flashback to the real world in 1912 and the class divisions.

There is White Star's J. Bruce Ismay (Martin Allanson) and his vision compounded by his over-reaching passion for making a legend.

Sadly ... he did - but for all the wrong reasons.

Lovingly handled is the tragic romance of Ida and Isidor Straus (Valda Aviks and David Delve).

We see stubborn Captain Edward Smith (played by Graham Bickley) setting out on his last command.

All the characters were real people on board which makes it all the more impactful.

A versatile cast of 25 contributes to a stunning score with some haunting songs notably the moving anthem Autumn.

We, the audience, sit and watch the story unfold.

There is a chilling dramatic irony throughout the two-hour 40-minute production with an interval - allowing us to reflect on what is to come for this doomed passenger list.

It is a gripping, engaging, exciting and emotional journey with some gentle scenes of humour and joy.

Following the tingly reprise Godspeed the Empire gave a standing ovation.

Long may this compelling production - now marking ten years since its London premiere launch - sail on into the history books.

Four stars

Powerful and Poignant

it is at the Empire until Saturday

Tickets from here