York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 3rd August 2024
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
Around the World in 80 Days-ish is a York Theatre Royal production and is currently wowing the audience in York. Directed and adapted by Juliet Forster, it first hit the city of York in the summer of 2021, in an outdoor setting due to Covid restrictions, it has since added ish the title. I was lucky enough to see it then and I was blown away, so I jumped at the chance to catch it again within a theatre setting.
This time it was me and three grandchildren, 8 and under, attending on press night. The theatre had some pre-show activities in the foyer and outside courtyard. We were encouraged to participate in some plate spinning, juggling and other bits, plus with a fire-eating show also laid on. We all enjoyed taking part and were wowed with the breathtaking fire show, though I did have to explain to the boys not to try the latter at home. Thank you YTR for a fabulous start to the evening.
As we entered the theatre, the stage is set with a big-top tent, indicative of the circus theme that runs through this adaptation. Based on the Jules Verne book, not any of the films which you might have seen. Did you know there is not a hot air balloon in the book? You do now, and it was a surprise to me when I first saw this show, as it is such an iconic image of certainly, the first film I ever saw of Around the World in 80 Days.
Phileas Fogg (Kiefer Moriarty), is set in his ways, doing the same thing day after day, at the same time, that is until he agrees on a wager to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Along with his newly appointed man servant Passepartout (David Abecassis), they set off on their travels. It’s a wild ride, through many different countries, these were written on a reel as the journey unfolded, the boys enjoyed spelling and reading these out. A range of characters are encountered on the way, Mr Fix (Rowan Armitt-Brewster), Aouda (Ambika Sharma). This show is not just about Phileas Fogg and his travels, but also covers the real-life adventures of Nellie Bly (Maria Gray), a female American journalist, who actually managed to circumnavigate the globe in only 72 days, a huge feat in Victorian times, and by a woman at that. A remarkable story that is not often heard about.
Moriaty, resplendent in his ringmaster outfit and wonderful moustache, is a commanding presence on stage. Gray not only plays Bly, but she is also the acrobat, twirling on a ring in the air, the captain of the ship and many more, jumping from accent to accent, from American to Hull. The supporting cast bring a lot of energy to the stage and some wonderful comedic moments with their clownish antics. A highlight with the audience was Armitt-Brewsters over the top accents.
The stage and props were imaginatively used by the five actors, used to depict a ship, steamboat, carriage, and a train, changing as we travelled from country to country.
The costumes were quite stunning, from Fogg’s ringmaster attire to Aouda’s tradition Indian wear, and Bly’s magnificent, chequered coat, which tied in nicely with Fogg’s waistcoat. There was even an elephant costume, depicted by Gray, simple but effective.
We really enjoyed the show, and afterwards the boys said they loved it, but at 2 ½ hours long, with interval, they were very fidgety at times. After the interval we did sit in different seats, in order not to disturb others. For the suggested age group, it could have been shorter, with a bit less storytelling and more action.
Around the World in 80 days-ish is a wonderful riot of colour and should be watched. Recommend to all ages over 10 and Theatre is an amazing experience for children