Around the World in 80 Days – The Apollo Players

I was intrigued to discover how this complicated story would translate to the stage. The answer is, in the hands of the Apollo Players, extremely well.

The stage gives a clear indication of the geographical scope, with luggage, graffitied place names, and a screen, displaying background scenery and information covering parts of the story hard to portray on stage, keeping the audience up to the rapid speed of the story line. There is great use of sound effects and music, which contribute to the story and atmosphere.

The few sets are movable and flexible in use: backstage technicians are always a key part of any production, but they deserve more than the usual plaudits here: step forward Phil Cardew, set designer, the set construction team, sound/lighting designer, Dan Burns, and his team. Stage management, led by Tyler Frankling, was slick, supporting the pace. Congratulations also to Mary Cody and her team, for the remarkable costumes. The ensemble take on multiple roles – true teamwork throughout and a good backdrop supporting the main actors.

Aaron Townsend was well cast as Inspector Fix, who, convinced that Phileas Fogg is a bank robber, pursues him across the world.

Ruby Beaman is a sweet and gentle Aouda: the scenes between her and the socially awkward Fogg, as they struggle towards revealing their feelings, are wonderfully played.

The play rests, however, on the skills of the two main characters, Phileas Fogg and his valet, Passepartout, and both characters are perfectly cast, the actors skilfully bringing out the character contrasts and relationship. Pete Stockman is a brilliantly portrayed extrovert Passepartout. In complete contrast, Phileas Fogg , a Victorian gentleman of routine, could easily appear boring and emotionless, yet Jason Harris skilfully brings out his humanity, vulnerability and innocence. The chemistry between the two main characters is a key element, lifting what could be just a plot-driven narrative into a richer place.

The directing team, of Amy and Dan Burns, can be very proud of themselves and their team who take us on a real journey – Around the World in 80 Days.