AROUND the World in 80 Days - or in just over two hours if you catch the show at the Theatre Royal Winchester.
It was the opening night for York Theatre Royal’s production of Around the World in 80 Days at the theatre in Jewry Street on Tuesday evening.
The story, by Jules Verne, was first published in the 1870s and has been adapted countless times for the stage and screen.
But this show, brought to the stage by Tilted Wig Productions, was like no other as it meshed together fact and fiction.
Intertwined throughout the tale of Phileas Fogg, played by Alex Phelps, and his race around the world is the true story of Nellie Bly as brought to life by Katriona Brown.
READ MORE: Around the World in 80 Days adaptation coming to Winchester
Bly, an American journalist, set the record for circumnavigating the globe by land and sea, completing the journey in less time than the fictional character of Fogg.
Embedding true anecdotes was an inspired choice by director Juliet Forster, who through Nellie’s interjecting monologues brings the world to Winchester and gives the production a kick of girl power.
But the joy and silliness of Fogg’s story are not forgotten, with both tales being told by a rag-tag band of travelling circus performers. The cast effortlessly transitions from role to role as they utilise simple props to make trains, boats, tiny bikes and even an elephant.
I was transfixed by the seesaw scene seamlessly executed by Eddie Mann as Detective Fix and Wilson Benedito as Fogg’s valet Passepartout. How the pair managed to sustain their balance while remaining in character I don’t know.
The production truly allowed all five actors to showcase their broad array of talents, with real tricks and whip cracking – so maybe steer clear of the front row.
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Genevieve Sabherwal was a vision as the Trick Rider and Fogg’s love interest Aouda, playfully snapping out of character to question whether the whole damsel in distress role was really necessary.
Alex Phelps did a marvellous job of bringing the show together as the Ringmaster and expression-lacking yet likable protagonist of Phileas Fogg.
Around the World in 80 Days is one to watch for the whole family and deservedly received rapturous applause.
The production is on at various times until Saturday, May 13. For tickets go to theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/around-world-80-days.
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