
Third Class: A Titanic Story
written and performed by Russell Lucas
THIRD CLASS is a one-man theatre show based on the life of Titanic survivor Edward Dorking.
Edward was openly gay, and on April 10, 1912, he boarded the Titanic on a ticket bought by his parents, hoping his American relatives could “fix” him. The show follows his journey from third-class passenger to survivor, swimming for 30 minutes toward an already full collapsible lifeboat.
After arriving in New York, Edward toured the Vaudeville circuit, retelling his story to an eager public. But he wasn’t seeking fame—he wanted justice. While the world mourned wealthy elites, few acknowledged the disproportionate losses suffered by third-class passengers.
Combining music, movement, projection, and historical fact, THIRD CLASS shines a light on an overlooked figure from a familiar tragedy—an unknown hero with a voice worth hearing.
Post Show Wednesday 27th January: There will be a post show Q&A with the writer and performer Russell Lucas, providing a fascinating insight into the story. This is open to all who attended that evening’s performance.
Press for this production
‘Russell Lucas’s extraordinary one-man tour de force… Conjures up the entire disaster with heart-stopping authenticity. This isn’t just theatre – it’s theatrical magic… thought-provoking theatre at its absolute finest’ Yorkshire Times
‘A class act from Russell Lucas.’ Diss Reviewer
‘Effective and thought-provoking theatre… Real beauty in the simplicity of the play’s presentation’ Rotherham Advertiser
‘A totally involving piece of theatre… Devastating’ Keep Colchester Cool
Dates and Tickets
Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 January 2027 at 7.30 pm
No performances: Sundays and Mondays
Tickets: £17, £15 conc; suitable for 14+.
On Wednesday 27th there will a post-show event with the writer and performer following the performance.
Tickets for this performance are £18, £16 conc
Online: Click here
There is no charge for online bookings.
Phone: 0333 666 3366
Telephone reservations have a £1.80 booking fee.
Our concessionary price tickets are for: full-time students, over 65s, registered unwaged, under 18s and Equity Members. Please bring proof of status.
Running time: 70 minutes, with no interval
Content advice: contains adult themes. 14+.
Creative Team
Third Class: A Titanic Story
Written by Russell Lucas
Cast
Russell Lucas
Your Visit
The box office on-site opens at 7.15 pm for the checking-in of pre-booked tickets, to seat you early and to minimise queues. Please arrive in good time to be seated for the 7.30 pm start.
LATECOMERS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED
Food and drinks are served at the Brockley Jack pub. If you wish to book a table, please visit their website
There is strictly no photography or recording of any kind permitted in the theatre.
For more details on travelling to the venue and accessibility please see our Your Visit page
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