Interview with Lauren Drew, Titanique
Conducted by Emmie
Lauren Drew is making waves as Celine in Titanique, the hilarious parody that reimagines the classic tale of Titanic through the iconic music of Celine Dion. Now playing in the West End, known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, Lauren also brings an unforgettable delivery of humour and heart to this new show. We chatted with her to learn more about her journey in the industry, her experience stepping into this unique role, and what it’s like to channel one of music’s most legendary voices every night.
We have to start with your journey. You have already performed on some of the biggest shows during your career. You made your West End debut in Kinky Boots and were featured in shows such as Heathers, Six, and recently Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. How do you take all of this experience and variety in your career already and then apply that to something like Titanique?
I think every single show does give you something else. For example, playing Brooke Windham in Legally Blonde was unlike anything I'd ever done before. The role required a skipping routine, which was new to me, and hilariously, I didn’t skip once during the audition! It was a fun challenge that added to my skill set. Performing in Six was another standout experience because it felt more like a concert than a traditional musical. The audience was very involved, and we interacted with them directly—making eye contact, speaking to them—which is vastly different from shows like Les Mis, where that level of connection isn’t part of the performance.
These experiences have all shaped my approach to playing Celine in Titanic. This role is unlike anything I’ve done before—not only am I portraying a real-life person that everyone knows and loves, but I’m also the narrator, guiding the audience through a parody of the Titanic story. It’s full of campy, chaotic joy, with lots of audience participation and even improvisation, which is a skill I hadn’t explored much before. The confidence I’ve gained from my previous roles have been essential for stepping into this character and embracing the craziness of this unique show.
What was it about Titanique that made you want to be a part of it?
Celine Dion has been an idol of mine forever; she’s just incredible. What I love about her is that she is one of the most exceptional singers on the planet, but she is just a fantastic human being. She’s kooky, crazy and strange in the most fantastic way. We really celebrate that in the show, and it is celebrated in the text and in the piece. And I’m a bit mental myself in the nicest way, and I just embody that quite naturally and quite easily. It’s a fantastic outlet to be able to do that and get to sing Celine Dion songs.
So naturally the attraction was just knowing I had the chance to do that and then I found out there was a lot of improvisation - that was quite a daunting prospect - I never really did that in drama school but it’s been amazing. The challenge has been everything I needed. I am loving every second but the main pull was just having the opportunity to play Celine Dion in the West End.
You also have a very strong Welsh accent. Are you able to utilise that in your portrayal of Celine Dion or not?
At the end of the show, I pop out and say hello to the audience and announce that I’m Welsh. It’s quite funny because you can see people’s brains are trying to place where I’m from. I play someone who is French Canadian but there is a tiny section in the play where I’m cockney, then there’s a section where I’m fully Welsh. I’ve had one incident where I went to speak as myself, and some words came out as Celine Dion. I actually said to the audience I don’t even know who I am anymore. But it is nice to get that moment to be Lauren.
Rob Houchen, Lauren Drew and Kat Ronney in Titanique. Photo by Mark Senior
Talking about this character then, how do you even go about preparing to portray a real person? How do you also add on your own take to it?
In rehearsals, I spent a lot of time studying her. I watched how she held herself and how she moved on stage. Obviously, we know she has been quite poorly which is an entirely other thing but you want her to shine in the best light and respect her as much as possible. The recent documentary has shown her outside of being on stage and I can see how warm she is with people and how unapologetically she loves everybody so much, even people she doesn’t know. I was kind of studying her outside of a stage scenario, outside of a performance situation.
But then I was looking at how she performed on stage, her dynamic movements and how they are all very specific. I had to know if I was to do something, the audience would know exactly who that is. So getting those isms and then adding in how she speaks and her accent. It was a lot of work. I am taking care of myself more than I have ever done before. I have done some big roles before but singing Celine Dion songs eight times a week, it takes its toll. There is no social life but it is fine because I am loving it. It’s needed and it’s necessary for this part.
Titanique for those who don’t know is a parody based on Titanic. It’s a really interesting balance of using Celine’s songs and this noticeable film. How does this work?
We do pay homage to the film. This production does make sure that all those moments that we know and love are in the show. You’ve got the bow of the ship, the car scene and of course the iceberg scene..but of course, Layton Williams is playing the role of the iceberg. You don’t need to understand the world of Titanic, that sentence alone is enough. But it is a complete parody of the movie. Celine Dion is only really present because she sang the theme song.
It’s absolutely hilarious. The characters are still there. Rose’s Mum is played by Stephen who is in soft drag and it is the funniest role. It is side-splittingly funny and he is a comedic genius. This show was written by a group of friends, the same way Six began.
They wrote this show when the world was a really dark place, and they knew they wanted a bit of light. They said they wanted to inject some light and joy, now its everywhere! It’s in the West End, off-Broadway, Sydney, and it’s heading to Paris. It’s amazing to be a part of something like this, similar to when I was in the original UK tour of Six. So to be a part of something again is so special. I don’t take a second of it for granted. I feel so lucky!
Are there any challenges with a performance type like Titanique? You mentioned this production involves improvisation..
It’s crazy, it’s high. It’s a bit belty and it’s Celine Dion, it’s fast. It doesn’t stop. You don’t have a second to think once you start. You ain’t getting off for 100 or so minutes! It comes with the obvious challenges of just doing a show.
I always say performers are athletes. They really are, what we have to do to maintain ourselves and keep ourselves to a show standard. It is challenging. Like I said I have taken care of myself a lot with this show. I’m constantly going to physio, constantly getting vocal sessions and I’m really looking after my body. I am staying on top of my hydration and these things I know I need.
It is hectic. It’s big, it’s bold and there are a lot of adrenaline. So in terms of that, you could say that’s challenging but it’s also amazing. It was initially quite daunting with the improv sections but I am loving that now.
Do you have a favourite Celine Dion song that you particularly enjoy performing in the show?
‘Because You Loved Me’. However, the scene that’s happening at the same time.. the car scene that we all know, the hand on the window. It’s pretty hilarious when I am giving it because I’m trying to riff and scream at the top but there’s a crazy scene unfolding in front of me with the audience erupting in laughter.
You are also joined on this show but this brilliant collective of performances. Have their own energies added to the production?
We’re so fortunate. I remember seeing the cast list for the first time and I couldn’t believe my luck. We have a complete cast of stars. I just feel so honoured that I was leading that company with these performers that I’ve known and loved, some of them are my friends. I still pinch myself!
To wrap up this interview, can you describe Titanique in three words..
Electrifying, hilarious and camp!
Catch Lauren in the West End production of Titanique. Currently playing at the Criterion Theatre until 8 June 2025. You can read our review of the show here.
