Brian Beacom

THE TITANIC story is well known to all of us. But Matthew McKenna, has immersed himself in the detail of the disaster.

And the actor admits it’s had a profound effect on him.

Matthew, who grew up in Glasgow’s south side, is appearing in Titanic The Musical.

He plays two characters in the play. “I Herbert Pitman, one of the officers and I play Henry Etches, the main part and he is the First Class Steward.

“We listened to some of the BBC recordings of the survivors,” he reveals. “And one of the recordings was of Henry Etches.

“It was fascinating getting this level of insight. And then we watched recreations of the sinking in real time. For two hours nothing happened and then in ten minutes it all happened.

“To be honest, it was terrifying to watch. It was all so poignant. And we went to see the memorials and the Titanic museum in Belfast. We learned something different at every stage.”

Matthew really grabbed the desperation of the tragedy.

“It’s such a sad story but it was so great to be part of such a production.”

In the final hours of April 14, 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 disasters of the 20th Century and 1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Titanic The Musical is not a replication of the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

“This is a true account,” says Matthew. “There are quite a few characters in the film who are real, but this sticks to the actual story.”

The drama comes from the relations between the characters on board.

“I’d say the show itself is more about the relationships between the people of the different class systems than the ship going down,” he says.

“It gives an insight into what went wrong. And it looks at who is to blame. But there is the broad idea of it being a massive accident.”

The divide between the class systems is highlight in the show.

“Yes, and it gives everyone a good story. We get to find out who was on the ship and why they came to be there in the first place.

“We realise there is a Third Class system on the ship and these people were desperate to move away to better their lives.

“The people in Second Class were happy enough with their lot and those in First Class, well that was a different world in itself. The trip was more about enjoyment.”

Matthew trained part time at Gmata in Glasgow and then moved to drama college in London.

“From there I’ve gone wherever the wind has taken me,” he says, smiling.

The winds of showbiz have certainly blown in Matthew’s favour.

His career has seen him work in Switzerland and Germany and indeed all round Europe with the likes of Rocky Horror Show and Starlight Express.

He also appeared in Bananaman, the musical based on the Dandy comic character.

“It was very funny and very clever, and very exhausting,” he says, grinning.

Matthew always wanted to get into the business. It seems it was a matter of time.

“I never thought about it. It just happened. Apparently, when I was at nursery one of the teachers said to my mother ‘Get him into something that will hold his attention. He’s a performer.’”

Appearing in Titanic The Musical is demanding.

“But I love it,” he says. “I’m in a great show with a great group of people.

“It can be draining because it’s a very emotional show. But that’s what makes it so enjoyable.”

Can it be tricky given he has to switch characters?

“I’ve done other shows where it’s been harder. This is a massive ensemble show, although I do have two songs on my own.

“And the songs are great.”

He adds; “It’s a serious piece given this is the story of a ship that’s set to go down. But it’s a show that will really grab an audience.

“This is a show that really affects people. It’s wonderful.”

Titanic The Musical, may 28 – June 2.