Chris White on the inspiration behind, and making of, Sunked

I started writing a show about the Titanic earlier this year. I’m not really sure why… I’d never been particularly interested in it or even seen the film the whole way through. (I have now, but only under duress.)

Basically, I found out that the Titanic was still under the sea. I never really thought of this before and something about the idea of the wreck really appealed to me. I guess in the same way it appealed to Thomas Hardy. It’s that strange, sort of cynical contrast between the opulence of the ship that once was and its current state of disrepair. There’s also something tantalising about the hubris involved; the story of ‘the ship that couldn’t sink’ but did.

I wanted to try and make a new kind of story about the Titanic. One that doesn’t involve overblown romance or oversentimentality – but one that people will hopefully be able to laugh along and connect with.

So I wrote Sunked.It’s a story all about me on a mission to raise the Titanic. It verges off into the realms of fantasy a bit as I get pursued by this ominous group and have a stand-off with James Cameron. But I’m also trying to get at something genuine under all the

It’s a story all about me on a mission to raise the Titanic. It verges off into the realms of fantasy a bit as I get pursued by this ominous group and have a stand-off with James Cameron. But I’m also trying to get at something genuine under all the stupidness and surrealness.

Sunked is a story about me trying to salvage something from the wreckage of my life. It’s about trying to do something heroic and worthwhile… Something that even my mum might be impressed. I guess you’ll have to come along and see if I’m successful.

Hal Kelly is my very talented co-performer and friend. As well as a gorgeous mop of hair he’ll be providing musical accompaniment on the melodica and mouth-trumpet (if you don’t know what that is you’re in for a real treat.) I’m so honoured he’ll be onstage beside me. Without him, it’d just be me sweating into a mic for an hour.

Finally, a big thanks to the team at Plymouth Fringe for having us! It’s so exciting to be part of such a welcoming festival.Thanks also to Emily at the Bike Shed for giving me so much help and advice. And thanks to Jenny too, whose living room has been an invaluable rehearsal space…

Thanks also to Emily at the Bike Shed for giving me so much help and advice. And thanks to Jenny too, whose living room has been an invaluable rehearsal space…

We’re throwing this show together with a load of cardboard cut-outs, silly songs, and desperate audience interaction. This is really a spoken-word show for people who hate spoken-word. If you love spoken word you should come too, but I’m sorry.Either way, I hope it floats your boat.

Either way, I hope it floats your boat.

Here’s a nice quote from Wynne McLaughlin…

“It’s all about perspective… the sinking of the Titanic was a miracle to the lobsters in the ship’s kitchen.”