Around The World In Eighty Days At The Lighthouse, Poole Review

Reviewed by Mel S-W

It’s been so long since I’ve been to the Poole Lighthouse and it was such a delight to be back watching a show in this great venue. We had a short drive over from Bournemouth and parked behind the Poole Lighthouse which was close in proximity to the theatre.

I was a little bit disappointed with our arrival at the theatre. I was supposed to attend the opening night which unfortunately got cancelled and I got the time of the show wrong. The show started at 7 instead of 7.30. We were in the theatre before 7 but the box office couldn’t find my tickets. We grabbed the tickets and went to sit down and overheard the next person who collected their tickets that the show had already started and they would have to sit at the back to not disturb others but I didn’t get the message.

We crept into the theatre and initially sat in row N. Being a small theatre the view from any seat seemed amazing. Our actual seats were G7 and G8 which were brilliant.

The Poole Lighthouse is a small venue with less than 700 seats which makes any shows there quite intimate. It’s a great place to see one person shows like stand up comedians and talks and it’s good to see more shows like Around The World in Eighty Days.

The theatre is home to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and it’s clear to see why as the acoustics are brilliant.

I’ve always been a fan of Phileas Fogg and his adventures around the world. I’ve seen several television adaptations but never had the opportunity to see the stage production. I was intrigued to see how it would be conveyed.
So … Just a bit of background for those who don’t know about Around The World in Eighty Days…

This version based on the novel by Jules Verne has been adapted and directed by Juliet Forster. She has created a fun and exciting version which follows a band of travelling performers who seek to recreate the adventures of Phileas Fogg as he sets off on his race around the world and I loved it. So sit back and watch the Ringmaster, the Acrobat, the Clown, the Trick Rider, and the Knife Thrower travel around the world.

But this is a telling of two tales; fact meets fiction as we learn the incredible true story of American journalist Nellie Bly who emulated the character of Phileas in her record-breaking trip.

The set was a circus style set, very bright in red and yellow stripes and scattered with circus style props that were used in clever ways throughout the show. With the use of ladders, boxes hoola hoops and a scooter (yes …. A scooter!) These simple props were transformed into a train or a boat.

The stage show consisted of 5 actors who played multiple characters throughout the show. They would exit mainstage and with the use of wardrobe and an accent would transform themselves. Was very clever!

There was a good mix of humour which had us laughing and I absolutely loved the circus skills demonstrated by the cast. Coming into the audience was also humourous with Detective Fix taking his seat for the circus and Passepartout coming into our row asking for food…. We very nearly gave him some of our chocolate!

The show was British Sign Language interpreted. I have never been to a BSL showing before and it was great to see the emotion on her face as the show went along.

Tickets can be purchased from £14.58 at the Lighthouse website https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/
Rating: I would give the show a 4/5 and would definitely recommend it. The show has 3 more showings left at The Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse is at 21 Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1UG and they can be contacted on 01202 280000