Around The World In 80 Days At Theatre by the Lake, Keswick Review

Reviewed by Jo Hardy

A new production of the classic novel by Jules Verne.  How would the talented teams at Theatre by the Lake take me around the world? from past experiences I knew I would be in for a treat and they did not disappoint. When I entered the theatre the stage was empty and the show started quite dramatically with bright spot lights and smoke, then we were introduced to the main character Phileas Fogg.  Stefan Adegbola did such a fantastic job of showing us the true character of Phileas, a very precise man with little emotion and as the story progressed we gradually saw his character change for the better.

Throughout the show the set was kept very simple with minimal but effective props used very cleverly.  It was all about the acting and all the cast worked there socks off to take us around the world.

The show was full of energy and laughter.  The cast were very good at showing us the distance and the speed they were traveling while having to keep within the confined space of the stage.  They were running, sailing, riding horses and an elephant!, on a train and a sledge.  You will be amazed at how they do all this on stage.  And I really did feel part of the race.

Passepartout played by Miriam O’Brien was such an endearing character and gave us many of the laughs in the show.
There is a very funny scene when Passepartoout becomes separated from Phileas Fogg and briefly joins a circus troop to try and earn some money.  The costumes were great and their acrobatic skills were questionable but very funny.
The different modes of transport and the different countries were presented to the audience very simply but very effectively.  There is a little bit of puppetry and I loved the seagulls that appeared when the cast were at sea.

As we were approaching the end of the show I kept thinking I’m sure there should be a hot air balloon in the story but we’ve not seen one yet.  I wondered if they’d taken that bit out because it was too difficult to stage.  I should of known better. Theatre by the Lake wouldn’t do that.  There is a hot air balloon and it makes a great ending to a fantastic show full of laughter, excitement, clever effects and lovely characters. Once again, I left the theatre feeling uplifted and full of admiration for all the cast and the creative team.

The show is presented by Theatre by the Lake and Hull Truck Theatre.

It runs from 31st March to 29th April , shows start at 7.30 and there are 2pm matinee shows on selected dates. The show is suitable for families with children aged six and over.

On selected dates there are relaxed, captioned, audio described performances and one performance that is socially distanced.

Please note the show will include smoke, strobe lighting and one recorded gun shot.

Ticket prices start at £10 and are available to book on the website theatrebythelake.com

My rating: is 5/5