A small but impressive Year 10 theatre company took to the Theatre in the Woods to perform their set text play Around the World in 80 Days. This is a fast-paced adaptation of Jules Verne’s original novel set in the 1800s centering around the precise and unflustered Phileas Fogg – Spike C and his energised and enthusiastic valet Passepartout – Will B and their race against time to travel around the world in 80 Days chased by Inspector Fix of the yard – Sophia C.

This is an ensemble production with choreographed set pieces, multiple changes of character and set and a vast number of props. These included two beautifully made puppets, an elephant named Jules and a seagull called Verne, which were designed, made and performed by Anna Paynter Smith, who also did the foley work-live sound effects, including a herd of passing buffalo! The acting company brought the theatre to life with their heightened storytelling, larger than life characters and energised performance. Special mention must be made of Larkin A, who due to an unexpected absence stepped in at the last minute to read the role of the beautiful Mrs Aouda – which he did with grace and humour.

A huge amount of work for one night – but Oh What A Night! Congratulations go to all those involved.

Cast list:

• Phileas Fogg – Spike C
• Passepartout – Will B
• Mrs Aouda – Larkin A
• Inspector Fix – Sophia C
• Mr Naidu/James/Mr Ralph/Mr Mudge – Erin L
• Colonel Stamp Proctor/Stuart/Engineer – Jemima T
• Chimney Sweep/Judge Obidiah/Batulcar – Joseph G
• Captain Speedy/Mr Flanagan/peninsula Conductor – Leo K
• Flower Seller/Miss Singh /Captain Blossom Von Darius – Miranda H – S
• Ensemble also crew
• Luigi – George A
• Beggar Woman – Fergus S
• Captain of Bandit – Danny W

Passengers/angry Malabar men/aouda guards/consuls/bandits/circus performers/sailors/Policemen parts played by the company.

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