★★★★★
Written by Tom Foreman and performed by Charlie Sheepshanks, Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story is based on the true story of Frederick William Barrett, the lead stoker of the Titanic’s sixth boiler room. It starts at an enquiry of the disaster, where Barrett is recounting his version of events. Against all odds, he avoids death three times, making it onto the second last lifeboat to leave, and taking control until they are out of imminent danger. It is a gripping story, paying tribute to the men who worked tirelessly to keep the ship afloat but tragically died during their efforts.
Sheepshanks is made for this role. He’s extremely versatile, flicking between a cheery stoker keeping his rowdy workmates in line, to a despairing man, trying desperately to convince a family to go up to the deck to get on one of the last lifeboats. His impressions of other crewmates are vivid and varied, helping to build a clear picture of what life was like on the ship. This makes it even more heartbreaking when despite his valiant efforts he cannot save them, and is forced to watch them drown. His humble, firm but fair attitude makes him an extremely likeable character.
We’re all well acquainted with the tragedy, but Foreman’s script adds suspense and drama. It’s devasting to watch Barrett’s blind optimism about the unsinkable ship, even when they strike the iceberg for the first time and icy water begins flooding into the boiler room. Foreman makes it easy to get swept away in the drama and forget that Boiler Room Six is based on a true story.
As one of the few workers who survived, Barrett is wracked with survivor’s guilt, unable to enjoy anything or reconnect with his former lover or their child, despite being unable to take his mind off them when he was frantically pumping water out of the sinking ship. So he does the only thing he can think of: gets a job working on one of Titanic’s sister ships, in the hope the rhythm and noise of shovelling coal will subdue his thoughts.
Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story is an extraordinary man’s story brought alive by an incredibly talented cast and creative team. It is equal parts entertaining and educating, and certainly deserves the opportunity to tour, and reach wider audiences.
Boiler Room Six: A Titanic Story will be performed at Greenside @ George Street – Forest Theatre until 23 August (not 17) as part of Edinburgh Fringe.
Words by Ellen Leslie
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