Step Behind The Stage
Boiler Room Six
Key Theatre, Peterborough - 22/04/2026
Review by Alex King
Photo Credit: DMLK Video
On the 14th April 1912, the Titanic sunk in what has become one of the most famous tragedies in history. While there have been numerous accounts, stories, and depictions of the passengers and people in charge, one of the most untold stories is that of the crew who worked, some at the expense of their own lives, to give passengers vital extra time in escaping the sinking of the ship’s maiden voyage. On tour now ahead of a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Tom Foreman’s Boiler Room Six gives a voice to these heroes through the lens of the true story of Frederick Barrett, a fireman aboard Titanic, and his incredible tale of survival.
The creator of this production, as previously mentioned, is Tom Foreman. With a personal connection to the history of the story, Foreman does an incredible job of transforming the huge disaster into a claustrophobic and intimate retelling. Through his words, he is able to bring the Titanic to life, with a personification that utilises every creak, moan, thud, and crash that the monolith created. Even with the small environment of the production, you feel the sheer scale of the setting and how terrifying it would’ve been.A dditionally, Foreman depicts the vast array of emotions experienced by those working in the engines. From disciplined command knowing full well what’s ahead, to frightened young men who are completely unprepared for the situation, Foreman’s writing creates realistic portrayals that do justice in honouring those who lost their lives.
Photo Credit: DMLK Video
Taking on this heavy-duty script is performer Charlie Sheepshanks, who is absolutely incredible as he depicts an array of crew members, with the most prominent being the aforementioned Frederick Barrett. Effortlessly shifting back and forth between the characters as he portrays the frantic chaos that occurred in the underbelly of the ship, Sheepshanks delivers a terrific performance through not just voice and expressions but a complete transformation in body language. Whether it is as the gruff fireman or a petrified 17-year-old, Charlie Sheepshanks showcases his talent in every minute of the runtime and even underneath the soot and grime, Sheepshanks shines.
Supporting Tom Foreman and Charlie Sheepshank’s work is some very compelling technical design courtesy of Natalia Izquierdo. With an ever-present soundtrack of rumbles, roars, and water, Izquierdo’s design is effective in building the sweltering, claustrophobic environment that is further fuelled by her lighting design. What makes it so effective is when it isn’t present. The moments of silence feel eerie, while the moments in which the power is diverted to the upper decks plunges Sheepshank into darkness, furthering the confined frenzy.
Boiler Room Six is an hour of a relentless fight for survival against formidable odds told within an intimate, and personal, space. Every element works in telling this true story that is both compelling and harrowing. It grabs you from the very beginning and showcases the sacrifice that these people made to save many. Whether it’s on tour or at the fringe, be sure to catch it if you get the opportunity.