Around The World In 80 Days At Williamson Park, Lancaster Review

Reviewed by Cath Joyce

Williamson Park is situated on the site of a former quarry and open moorland to the east of Lancaster. With 54 acres of beautiful parkland, woodland walks and breath taking views, it really is the perfect setting for Jules Verne’s classic tale Around The World in 80 Days. Published back in 1872 the classic adventure story tells of Londoner Phileas Fogg’s attempt to circumnavigate the world in 80 days for a wager of £20,000

As we have come to expect from The Dukes, they have taken the traditional tale and added their own twist to it – in this version Phileas played by Sam Jones, is actually Lady Fogg’s butler and is joined on his journey by Indian princess, Aouda played by the very talented Aleeza Humranwala.

Adapted by Andrew Pollard and directed by Sara Punshon, this is one of the biggest park shows that the Dukes have undertaken. In total there are over 44 costumes, 32 hats, 12 pairs of shoes, 2 wigs and 4 moustaches needed for the cast of six who play over 32 different characters!

It’s unfair to select a favourite as the whole cast were fantastic, establishing a rapport with the audience from the very first scene. This rapport continued as they travelled around the globe visiting India, Hong Kong and America before returning to their starting point in Lancaster. Each scene takes place in a different area of the park with the Duke’s team effortlessly moving the audience from place to place whilst the crew set up the lights and PA for our arrival.

Set in the days before air travel Phileas must use trains and ships for his journey but he isn’t counting on the scheming of Inspector Fix, played by Heather Phoenix, sent to thwart his chances by Lord Swindley who wants to win his bet with Lady Fogg. She is also convinced that Phileas has stolen £20,000 from the Bank of England and tries to jeopardise the journey so she can arrest Fogg and claim the reward money. Her antics add plenty of humour to the show and were great fun to watch.

Obviously with only six scenes over three hours, Jules Verne’s story was somewhat abridged but this was an excellent adaptation and suitable for both young and old.

The play starts at 7.15pm and many families take the opportunity for a picnic in the beautiful surroundings before the performance, which is a really good idea, especially when the weather is nice. Seating varies at each location, sometimes there are benches or logs to sit on and in other locations the audience can sit on the ground. I would recommend taking a mat or blanket, especially when it is wet, so you are not sitting directly on the ground. The play continues whatever the weather, so it is definitely worth checking the forecast before you leave and dressing appropriately.

Around The World in 80 Days has something for everyone – comedy, action and romance and is certainly the cheapest way to travel the world this summer! Get your tickets now for this fantastic trip!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tickets cost £16 for children and £22.50 for adults (95p booking fee). Family discounts are available.
Around the World in 80 Days is at Williamson Park, Lancaster from 21st July to 27th August, for more information or to book tickets visit https://dukeslancaster.org/whats-on/theatre/around-the-world-in-80-days or call the box office on 01524 598500

Williamson Park, Quernmore Road, Lancaster LA1 1UX