Around the World in 80 Days Archives

Around the World in 80 Days – Octagon Theatre, Bolton

22Nov

By Hannah WildeNo Comments

North West

Around the World in 80 Days – Octagon Theatre, Bolton

Around the World in 80 Days is a brand-new musical adaptation of the classic novel by Jules Verne, written by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse, and directed by Kash Arshad. What a spectacular show, this trio have created! Rarely have I seen a show that is both technically brilliant and so superbly acted, with costumes and set design that are second to none. While the medium of theatre can be a cornucopia of new and innovative ideas, it does have its limitations in terms of how this is presented to the audience. That said, this adaptation of Around the World in 80 Days was absolutely seamless in its visual storytelling, moving from place to place with graceful fluidity and depicting the characters’ journey by land, sea and sky with staggering ingenuity. The two standout scenes fo...

Around the World in 80 Days – Churchill Theatre

20Jul

By Paul AckroydNo Comments

London

Around the World in 80 Days – Churchill Theatre

This Titled Wig Production, originally developed in collaboration with York Theatre Royal, is a romp from beginning to end. It is colourful, energetic and engaging. Based on Jules Verne's famous novel, it creatively combines Verne's narrative of the imaginary journey of Phileas Fogg with that of Nellie Bly, a real life American journalist who circled the world in 72 days in 1890. The stage design by Sara Parks had a circus theme, with a colourful red and white tent-like tower structure with several gangway protrusions. The cast ascended and used these in a number of creative ways as the story progressed. Fogg’s journey was illustrated by means of a revolving banner, wound on by the cast. It gave some problems on press night which the cast imaginatively solved. The five strong ...

Around the World in 80 Days – Richmond Theatre

18May

By Maani WayNo Comments

London

Around the World in 80 Days – Richmond Theatre

The classic tale of Phileas Fogg and Passepartout, who, to win a wager, travel around the world in no less than 80 days, is back and this magical adventure has been brought to life once more. Fact meets fiction in this production as the audience is treated to the incredible true story of American journalist Nellie Bly who decided to take Phileas’ goals and make them a reality. In a somewhat Brecht style, the show is a “play within a play” and creates some fun stylistic moments. The set is bright and vibrant, allowing for dynamic movement across several levels, featuring some unusual and fun props. Though a cast of only five, this performance is nothing less than rich. Every cast member gives a full and polished performance, each playing at least three different characters, making it...

Around The World in 80 Days – Hull Truck Theatre

10May

By Jackie FoottitNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Around The World in 80 Days – Hull Truck Theatre

Note to self: Be sure to wear waterproof mascara when you next review anything at Hull Truck Theatre in case it turns out to be as funny as Around The World In 80 Days was on Tuesday evening. Having never read the Jules Verne novel, first published in French in1872, all I knew was that a hot air balloon was involved in one man’s endeavour to travel around the globe in 80 days. The intrepid adventurer, a Mr Phileas Fogg (Stefan Adegbola) accepted a wager of £20,000 with fellow Reform Club members, that he could undertake such a journey. That sum is half of Fogg’s fortune, but he leads such a monotonous life in London - his daily habits being carried out with mathematical precision - the thought of such a journey excites him. Having fired his valet for some minor misdeed, he emp...

Around the World in 80 Days – Theatre by the Lake

7Apr

By Karen Morley-ChesworthNo Comments

North West

Around the World in 80 Days – Theatre by the Lake

The new season at Theatre by the Lake has kicked off with a classic production of Around the World in 80 Days which surprises, delights and has audiences in hysterics. Like the ticking clock timing Phileas Fogg’s journey to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days or less, the timing of the action is precise. From the opening scenes, depicting Fogg’s meticulous daily routine, the choreography of this piece of theatre is set high and is delivered with style and humour. This hilarious production is nothing like the recent TV adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic book. This is the story of a man’s wager that he could travel around the world in 80 days - and failure would mean a loss of his colossal personal wealth. Stefan Adegbola is so perfectly cast as Fogg, combining the high-handed, aloof...

Around the World in 80 Days – Blackpool Grand

2Mar

By Lou SteggalsNo Comments

North West

Around the World in 80 Days – Blackpool Grand

Shakespeare once famously compared the world to a theatre stage in As You Like It – tonight, theatre company Tilted Wig have turned things on their heads to make the stage a world. This energetic take on Jules Verne beloved tale of Phileas Fogg, the London gentleman who wagers his fortune and reputation on a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80days or less, has been adapted and directed by Juliet Forster. Forster has added a new depth to the journey by weaving it around the real-life memoirs of Nelly Bly, a pioneering American journalist who took on Fogg’s fictional journey and bested his time by a week. And she cleverly takes time to address the more uncomfortable moments of oppressive patriarchy and colonialism within Verne’s novel, without glossing over or censoring the...