Boiler Room Six is a one-man show following the journey of Titanic stoker Frederick Barrett, played by Charlie Sheepshanks, alongside other crew members. Based on real-life testimony and historical records, the production attempts to bring the experience of the ship’s boiler rooms to life.
The staging was simple but effective, and the roundhouse seating added to the claustrophobia of the space, like a ship with every seat packed for an 11am performance. The stage featured a few wooden benches, which were effectively moved to evoke different areas of the ship, while mist was pumped across the stage to add to this effect.
Sound is also used very effectively. The scraping of metal, roar of the boiler rooms, and historically accurate orchestral music heard on the Titanic’s deck all help establish the setting. Paired with effective lighting, particularly when mimicking the opening and closing of the furnaces, the production creates an immersive environment. However, some sound effects became so intense that they started to feel almost cartoonish, particularly the repeated recordings of people crying, which ultimately broke rather than enhanced the immersion.
Sheepshanks creatively changes his mannerisms, accent, and body language to distinguish between characters, managing to make each role feel distinct even when interacting with himself. One particularly impressive moment sees him play two characters engaging in a fight, while simultaneously stepping out of the scene to break it up.
I struggled to connect with the story at times, particularly as it became increasingly stretched during an aside exploring the romantic subplot of our protagonist. The sudden introduction of several dramatic developments felt jarring within the show’s 55-minute runtime, contributing to a rushed ending in the aftermath of the Titanic’s sinking.
Perhaps I am simply not the audience for this show. Those seated around me clearly loved the performance, rising immediately for a standing ovation as the curtain closed. I can’t fault Sheepshanks’ acting, as the actor’s ability to sustain such energy alone on stage is genuinely impressive. But despite its technical strengths, Boiler Room Six ultimately left me feeling more impressed than emotionally connected, perhaps I’m just not as fascinated by the Titanic as everyone else seemed to be.
Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story runs until 31 August at The Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome.
Buy tickets here
Image provided to The Student by The Pleasance for press use
