Copmanthorpe Primary School, York – 11 August 2021
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Around the World in 80 Days is a York Theatre Royal production, that is being performed in an outdoor setting at several schools around York, culminating with a stint in the theatre itself towards the end of August.
Armed with our camping chairs we set off to this unique setting, for a theatre show anyway. We found the school relatively easy with the help of Google Maps, with flags and balloons showing the way once we had parked the car. What greeted us was the setting of a circus ring, with flags adorning the perimeter. We were instructed to go between the two striped tents and set up where we wanted. Luckily there was plenty of room, as we set up relatively close to the main stage area, waiting for the adventure to start.
Based on the Jules Verne book, which I haven’t read, but have seen several film adaptions, which we found out, that were not quite true to the written word. Phileas Fogg (Emillio Iannucci), a very particular man, agrees on a wager and decides to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, a feat truly unheard of in Victorian times. Along with his newly appointed servant Passepartout (Ali Azhar), they set on their travels. What follows is a wild race through countries, encountering different characters, including Mr Fix (Eddie Man) and Aouda (Ulrika Krishnamurti). As the story unfolds, we are frequently interrupted by the real-life tales from Nellie Bly (Dora Rubinstein), an American journalist who was widely known for her record-breaking solo trip in just 72 days, completing her trip in 1890. This was someone who I had never heard of and a true inspiration to others, anything is possible.
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, though simple in nature, it was truly imaginative and elegant.
The staging was set as a traditional circus, adorned with a canon. With simple alterations it was then transformed into a ship, a steamboat, a carriage, and a train, changing as we travelled from country to country. It was a sight to behold, so very innovative and quite spectacular. Occasionally there was a bit of a problem with microphones cutting out, but you could still hear what the actors were saying, and it wasn’t an issue.
All five actors did a tremendous job of taking us on a journey through the unique countries of the world from India to America. Their high energy performance really drew the audience in, with their comedic timing and ability to jump from circus performers, full of tricks, juggling knives, fire throwing and body contortion, we were just waiting for the unicycle, but that never materialised, to their 80 Day characters.
We were quite lucky with the weather, the rain just about held off, but it did get quite blustery and was very apt as the story unfolded, with Fogg’s journey across the ocean. I would recommend taking chairs, as opposed to a blanket to sit on, and an extra layer of clothing, it is also a great opportunity to indulge in a picnic.
This was a fabulous performance, a must-see show, I loved every minute of it, my kind of theatre. It is now touring Archbishop Holgate’s School, Joseph Rowntree School and then York Theatre Royal, until 28th August. Get your tickets booked, you will not be disappointed.