Tom Allen is to join the West End spoof Titanique this autumn.

The comedian will play the role of Ruth DeWitt Bukater – the mother of Rose – in the loose parody of James Cameron’s 1997 film.

Allen said: ‘I saw this show when it first opened and I loved it so much I had to see it again almost immediately. 

‘The laughs and camp spoofing are addictive and exactly what the ​world needs right now. I am beyond honoured to be joining this extremely talented cast and can't wait to come aboard for my lifeboat drill! ...wait, they do have enough lifeboats right?’

The role is usually played as high camp, with the performer disrupting the performance breaking the fourth wall to interact with the audience.

Allen will take the role at London’s Criterion Theatre from March 4 to April 12.

Also in the cast are Luke Bayer as Jack, Richard Carson as Cal, Ryan Carter as The Iceberg, Rose Galbraith as Rose, Astrid Harris as Céline Dion, Michael Vinsen as Victor Garber / Luigi, and Charlotte Wakefield as Molly Brown. Cabaret performer Carl Mullaney currently plays Ruth.