PRODUCERS of a new musical based on the fatal story of the Titanic visited a historical site.

The 106th anniversary of the ship leaving Southampton saw a visit from creative leaders to berths 43 and 44 in Ocean Dock- where the ship left from, bound for America, on April 10 1912.

Mayflower Theatre's chief executive Michael Ockwell, producers Danielle Tarento and Steven M Levy, and director Thom Southerland went to the dock, previously known as White Star Dock.

In the final hour of 14th April 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and 'the unsinkable ship' slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic and infamous disasters of the 20th Century.

1517 men, women and children lost their lives.

Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's musical focuses on the hopes and aspirations of those people.

Unaware of the fate that awaits them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the newly-enfranchised Second Class dream of achieving the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and the millionaire Barons of the First Class dream of their mastery lasting forever.

Michael Ockwell said: “Having been working on bringing Titanic the Musical to Southampton for the past five years, I was delighted to join Thom, Danielle and Steven at Titanic’s berth to imagine the sight 106 years ago where families said goodbye to loved ones who they would never see again. The show is in the middle of technical rehearsals and will premiere at Mayflower Theatre on Thursday evening”.

Titanic The Musical has music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel, Phantom of Opera) and a book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year and 1776). The pair have collectively won, including their previous works, an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award and three Tony Awards for their works. The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.

The show comes to the Mayflower on April 12.