Review - Around the World in 80 Days - People's Theatre

Around the World in 80 Days 

People's Theatre

25th October 2022

As soon as I saw the stage set for this, I knew it was going to be an interesting production. The stage was laid out with an assortment of suitcases, trunks, packing boxes, a staircase leading to a platform, tables and chairs, and behind all of this was a backdrop of giant cogs and a small, illuminated clock face. As the curtain rose (metaphorically speaking), clusters of characters stepped into place and a loud ticking began...

Phileas Fogg is seen rising from his bed, he stretches, dons his coat, while taking a sip of tea and a bite of breakfast. He salutes his servants and descends the stairs to the street, where he is greeted by a beggar to whom he gives a coin, and a flower girl who gives him a flower for his buttonhole. He proceeds to his club where he plays cards - and wins. He returns home to his bed, and the whole process repeats again the next day. Phileas Fogg's life is routine, precise, predictable.  On day three things change - his tea is the wrong temperature, a new valet must be found, and a wager at the club leads to an adventure!

Roger Liddle and Moira Valentine perform as Phileas Fogg and Passpartout as if the roles were written for them, their characters perfect opposites, each complimenting the other. 

Around the World in 80 Days is quirky, ingenious and so much fun!  It has a circus feel to it (and indeed, did not Passpartout work in a circus at one time?) and it also put me in mind of classic Laurel and Hardy humour, with it's physicality and nods to the audience. There is so much going on on stage at times that you don't quite know who to watch.  I would recommend a seat towards the back so that you can fully appreciate all the action.  This production is an absolute joy. It is packed full of humour - from wry wit to physical, almost slapstick. The ensemble move about the stage with at times balletic style, embellishing and enhancing the set as they move create, and, at times, are props.  

Around the World in 80 Days runs until 29th - with a matinee on Saturday afternoon. Make the trip - it will brighten your week!

Denise Sparrowhawk