Third Class – A Titanic Story

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.

The Times ★★★★
The Stage ★★★★★
The Scotsman ★★★★

‘A class act from Russell Lucas.’ 
David Vass, Diss Reviewer

‘This isn’t just theatre – it’s theatrical magic’
Andrew Palmer, Yorkshire Times

‘Effective and thought-provoking theatre.’
Paul Szabo, Rotherham Advertiser

‘A totally involving piece of theatre’
Keep Colchester Cool

‘Thought-provoking theatre at its absolute finest’
Andrew Palmer, Yorkshire Times

‘Reclaims that tragedy.’
David Vass, Diss Reviewer

‘Real beauty in the simplicity of the play’s presentation.’
Paul Szabo, Rotherham Advertiser

Running time: 70 minutes plus Q&A after 15minute interval.

photo credit: Steve Ullathorne