A unique stage recreation of the tragic sinking of the Titanic will be played out in a Belfast theatre exactly 100 years to the minute that the ill fated ship sank.

Such is the interest expected in the Belfast Operatic Company’s historic week-long Grand Opera House run of the multi award winning “TITANIC – The Musical” that tickets are now on sale – a year in advance of the performances.

The final Gala performance on Saturday, April 14 sets a theatre precedent by having its curtain up at 11.40pm, exactly 100 years after the “unsinkable” ship hit the iceberg which was to seal its tragic fate.

The exciting production will trace the dramatic story of both survivors and victims from setting sail in a minute by minute reenactment of the events lasting two hours and 40 minutes, the precise time it took what was then the “largest moving object in the world” to disappear under the “flat calm” of the icy Atlantic.

Such is the emotion and power of this hugely successful show that when it debuted on Broadway in 1997, the musical - with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and book and story by the late Peter Stone - won five Tony awards and stunned New York theatre audiences.

Maury Yeston will take his seat in the audience in the Belfast Opera House for the historic drama on the centenary anniversary.

He said: “I can think of nothing better than to re-visit my friends in Belfast to mark the 100th anniversary”.

Maury Yeston was guest of honour at Belfast Operatic’s Irish premiere of Titanic the Musical in 2005 when it picked up the Association of Irish Musical Societies’ awards for Best Overall Show, Best Director, Best Musical Director, Best Chorus and Best Male Singer.

Many of the original award-winning Belfast cast are to be re-united in April 2012 for what promises to be a hugely emotional and unforgettable theatrical experience.

Local theatre’s respected Wilfie Pyper who will direct the show said: “It is the show they said could not be done – how can you sing and dance about a tragedy?

“Yet it has proven time and time again that it has the power to really touch audiences around the world and to be part of this unique centenary run in Belfast will be beyond description!”

With 2012 providing the backdrop for so much cultural activity surrounding the Titanic centenary celebrations, this landmark theatrical event is set to be one of the focal points for locals and visitors to the city. For further information visit www.titanicmusicalbelfast.com.

For more information visit NI2012 here