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            Most major cruise lines present floor shows but the Cunard Line is launching a whole theatre on its new luxury liner, The Queen Victoria, which joins the fleet in December 2007.

            Ever since the miracle and mystery plays in medieval times, England has been growing its theatrical tradition through Shakespeare, Wilde, Shaw, among other brilliant playwrights, to flourish today in the works of Tom Stoppard and Caryl Churchill. 

            The Victoria honors this tradition by designing The Royal Court Theatre, the first at sea.  It’s a three-tiered space whose 19^th-century ambiance includes brocade fabric on the walls, red velvet curtains, and 16 private boxes seating from 2 to 8 guests, furnished with armchairs and cocktail tables.  Individual-sized Veuve Clicquot bottles with sweet or savory treats will be served.  Following the performance, the guests will have an opportunity to meet the cast backstage.

            The first of the ship’s four major theatrical productions is, appropriately, “Victoriana”, a tribute to the Victorian Music Hall, with contemporary choreography and period costumes. Following the performance, guests may attend a Royal Victoriana themed ball in the Queen’s Room.

            Next up is ”Dance Passion”, ranging from the delightful creations of Gene Kelly to the sensuous Argentine Tango and the vibrant energy of Swing and Jive.

            We’re back to the British Isles again for Show #3, Celtic Heartbeat.  In typical Gaelic fashion, it tells a tale.  A young Irishman confronts conflict, humor, sorrow, joy and romance as he searches for his fortune with the help of a beautiful girl, four singer/narrators and a full dance ensemble.

            Lastly, the Cunard reaches for A Stroke of Genius, blending such works of art as Andy Warhol with The Rolling Stones, Edward Hopper with the music of Hoagy Carmichael and the ballerinas immortalized by French impressionist Edgar Degas coming to life on stage.

            In addition, Singers in Concert explores the dynamics between men and women, featuring songs by Burt Bacharach, Billy Joel, James Taylor and others.

            This is a perfect overture to a theatre-lover’s holiday in London, a city rich in the finest plays and performances in the English-speaking world.