Titanic the Musical opens at Mayflower Theatre on Thursday, in the week of Titanic’s 106th anniversary.

In the final hour of 14th April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank.

It was one of the most tragic and infamous disasters of the 20th Century.

1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Maury Yeston and Peter Stone’s stunning musical focuses on their hopes and aspirations.

Unaware of the fate that awaits them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the millionaire Barons of the First Class dream of their mastery lasting forever.

The Daily Echo caught up with actors, Alexander Evans – who previously lived in Southampton for a few years – and Matthew McKenna, who plays Southampton born steward, Henry Etches.

“I’m really looking forward to opening in Southampton,” explains Alexander. “I've really enjoyed rehearsing with a live cast - it's a huge entre.

“And I know how much of a link Titanic has with the city.

“My first big job was on the Queen Mary 2 for her inaugural voyage. So I sort of know how it feels to set sail from Southampton, and indeed I sailed into New York on the same ship as well (at a different time).

“It really helped to bring it back to me just how big Titanic was.”

Matthew says: “I’m so excited to see the reception the show gets in Southampton. I understand it will really resonate with the audience too, especially in the Saturday show which is timed to coincide with the ship’ going down.”

“It’s going to be incredibly emotional and poignant,” adds Alexander. “When you’re standing on stage and looking out into the void of darkness, you can really pick up on the audience’s feelings.”

Opening at Mayflower Theatre in the same city and same month in which the RMS Titanic set sail, the critically acclaimed, multi award-winning production will then visit theatres nationwide.

Tickets for Titanic the Musical (Thursday 12 - Saturday 21 April 2018) are on sale now from the Mayflower Theatre.