by Charlotte Ndupuechi.
Around The World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, adapted and directed by Juliet Forster, is at Theatre Royal Winchester this week, but as you have never seen it before.
My two children saw the poster and insisted we saw the show. The idea of fun and adventure instantly appealed to them. I was fascinated to see how such an elaborate story and iconic novel would be brought to the stage. It did not disappoint.
Tilted Wig Productions did a super job of this. It has all the best parts of the traditional tale, the stuffy Phileas Fogg, drinking tea and playing cards, and the gentleman’s club of London. Yet, it is also incredibly fresh and modern, with the story of the American journalist Nellie Bly intertwined. It explains the historical context of colonialism, challenging the narrative without losing the fun of the story.
It is hard to believe that this traveling band of performers, who tell both stories so well, is made up of a cast of just five. Alex Phelps, Katriona Brown, Genevieve Sabherwal, Wilson Benedito and Eddie Mann are energetic and faultless as they change characters and costumes without breaking a sweat. There were trains, boats, carnivals, lightning storms, fire, circus performers, and even an elephant.
My son, Theo, aged 8, said: “It felt like we went in a time machine like we actually went around the world with them,” while Max, 12, added: “It was so good! I cannot believe it was all done by just five actors. Really epic, it makes me want to go on an adventure.”
Grab your tickets while you can and see if he makes it back to London in time to win the wager. Get ready for an adventure!
Around the World in 80 Days will be at Theatre Royal Winchester until Saturday 13 May at various times. Recommended age: 5+ (but all ages are welcome). Tickets from £15. For more information or to book tickets visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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