Review: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Tilted Wig - York Theatre Royal (Tour)
Photo credit: Ant Robling
Around The World in 80 Days is a well-known tale, first published 150 years ago by Jules Vernes and now brilliantly revamped in this circus themed production by Tilted Wig Productions.
It tells the tale of Phileas Fogg on his wager that he could travel the world in under 80 days. Along the journey, we meet various other characters including Passepartout who becomes much more than just a servant, and Detective Fix who provides the comedy villain needed for any show. However, one character who is quite unexpected was Nellie Bly, the real-life female equivalent to Phileas Fogg who, up until this production, has remained quite a secret.
With the story of Nellie Bly and a few remarks throughout about the power of women in history, there is great undertone to the production which feels very current. Even though the synopsis says audience members as young as five could enjoy the show, the humour feels very much aimed at adults with punch lines based around the current energy crisis and the pandemic.
This however does not mean that the younger audience are lost and left out in the cold. The slapstick humour throughout perfectly showcases the overall theme of a circus and provokes thundering laughs and giggles from the multiple younger members of the audience. The show has a great “Horrible Histories” style feel to it, meaning that the younger viewers are captivated by the cast who, for over two hours, prove their passion for live theatre and do not fade in energy in any point.
For a very small cast of five, you do not feel like you are watching an empty stage. It would be inappropriate to pick out just one or two members of the cast for standing out, as each one brought so much individuality. The cast fill the stage perfectly and the versatility shown throughout the costume/character changes are incredibly impressive. The imagination of the viewer is easily led to believe you weren’t in a theatre and you were actually travelling the world with these five superb actors. This is aided by the fantastic costumes and props which are fitting to each part of the world we visit - not to mention the set which as soon as you walk into the theatre is visually stunning.
Giving the impression of a circus tent, the set is a minimalist small area but produces so much from within. It is simply mind-blowing that all props and costume changes are possible from such a small contained area – the elephant even drew a few sharp gasps from the audience.
This is a great, feel-good show for all ages and a perfect way to get over those January blues. Kudos to the production team on this one as the show is still very much front and centre of our minds this morning!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Kelly Bell
Around the World in 80 Days plays at York Theatre Royal until tonight (4 February) and continues to tour until July. For more information, please click here.