Around the World in 80 Days

By Robert Iles - 24th Feb 2006

Is it just a coincidence that a show that starts with the theft of £40,000 in notes from the Bank of England should open just after the theft of £40,000,000 of Bank of England notes? Some companies will go to any lengths to promote their show and get a bit on the news! "Around the World in 80 Days" is a strategic part of the Great Reading Adventure running for 80 days in the South West which starts off this "Brunel 200" year. And what a start. I wondered how such an expansive story could be told in the studio space at the Bristol Old Vic by only three actors; the answer was 'exceptionally well'.

Jules Verne's story, originally published in 1873 when the great advances of the Victorian Age and the industrial revolution seemed to be making the world a smaller place (sound familiar). It concerns the attempt by Phileas Fog and his servant Passepartout to prove that you could get around the wporld in only 80 days due to the wonders of modern travel and transport. Needless to say he is hampered on the way by disasters, the need to rescue nd Indian Princess and a Scotland Yard detective who thinks that he pulled the bank heist. The three main characters of Toby Hulse's version are Phileas (Nick Caldecott), Passepartout (Howard Coggins) and "Fix of the Yard" (Craig Edwards) but they manage to play the princess, a sea captain, two Consulate staff, policemen and minor characters with great dexterity and imagination.

The show is played not so much 'to' the audience as 'with' them - we are insiders to the jokes and techniques, part of the process, and the kids loved it. These three, physically adept comedic actors are a delight to watch - their mannerism, facial expressions and use of minimal staging to create grand illusions is a delight - we are taken along on the journey all the time. A large map of the world helps place us, hats help define character and a range of trunks (including one on an elephant) and cases go to make up the transport, seats, buildings and props required - imaginative, effective and carried off with professionalism and panache.

Designed by Vicky Andrews and lit by Tim Streader with sound by Jason Barnes this is definitely a team effort - actors, staging and effects in perfect harmony to keep the plot moving along at a belting pace and taking us around the world by trains, cabs, boats and an elephant. There were a number of trully delightful moments; the storm sequence, the train-top chase and fight and the trip to the temple being but three. Aimed at children this is a show people of all ages can enjoy, and it was great to see that the actors clearly enjoyed it too.

I think you might guess from the above that I enjoyed it! An excellent night out.

Robert Iles