(5 / 5)
By Jules Verne
Adapted by Laura Eason
Phileas Fogg is a mysterious and wealthy man who while at his London club wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.
Joining him on this mad cap and most impossible adventure is his loyal french valet, Passepartout. Leaving Victorian London behind they race against time and tide to fulfill their undertaking and to ensure that they return home in 80 days to the hour for Fogg to win the wager.
This production is a wonderfully funny romp around the globe with Fogg as our leader and Passepartout as our guide. From the exotic subcontinent to the American Wild West over land and sea there are laughs a plenty and audience participation. The fast moving pace leaves you almost breathless and it is impossible to believe that the 125 characters you see on the stage are only played by a cast of eight!
The energy of this magnificantly talented cast is inspiring as they move from trains to boats, across land and even travel by elephant!
There is also a daring rescue,four fights, three dances and two circus acts and they even manage a wedding!
The highly skilled performances for the non-contact fights including slow motion was punctuated by sound effects and comic timing which looked effortless. This was stage craft at its very best and the action just went on and on.
Director, Theresa Heskins, has achieved the impossible by bringing the world to the stage and the cast and creative team rose to the challenge of bringing it all to life by the use of stage, props, lighting and sound.
Whilst this was truly a whole cast performance, Michael Hugo as Passepartout was outstanding. He had the audience joining him on stage and off to great effect laughing at him, with him, and also at themselves.
This is a truly enjoyable show for which you need to take along your inner child and leave your inhibitions as home.
Prepare to go on a journey that will see you laughing your way around the world and leave you wanting more.
At the final curtain, when the cast returned to the stage the beaming smiles were a clear indication that they, the cast, had enjoyed performing as much as the audience had enjoyed the performance.
Around the World in 80 Days plays at Cardiff’s New Theatre from;
Tuesday 19 September – Sunday 24 September at 7.00pm
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2.30pm.
For further details or to book tickets call the Box Office on 02920878889.