Review: Around the World in 80 Days-ish at York Theatre Royal

Wednesday, 24th July 2024 at York Theatre Royal.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

In this take on Jules Verne’s book, Juliet Forster adapts (and directs) the tale to sneak in a second lead: Nellie Bly, real-life journo and adventurer who completed the same trip in 1889… and in less time than Verne’s character. Therein lies some of the best fun in this adaptation, with the original lead and Forster’s welcome imposter vying for the spotlight.

As the “true lead”, Phileas Fogg, Kiefer Moriarty entertains in an upright, entitled manner. He is a man of means and a man kitted out with every mannerism of a privileged Victorian male – but only gently mocked here. Maria Gray entertains as both the talented acrobat and the adventurous Nellie Bly, telling her story with great warmth and enthusiasm whenever she can sneak centre stage.

Doubling down on the feminist angle, Ambika Sharma plays characters who champion Bly’s right to lead such a story alongside strong, capable women around the globe (alongside a rescued damsel…naturally). Great clowning is offered via David Abécassis; all chaotic, bubbling movement and big smiles – a real draw for young audience members. Rowan Armitt-Brewster also brings some great physical comedy to the piece and delivers the highlight of the show alongside Abécassis as the two playfully navigate a see-saw for an entire exchange.

Set design from Sara Perks is great, with the circus theme front and centre in vibrant colours and with the space kitted out with a faux grassy area up front, littered with stripy cushions where audiences are invited to pitch up picnic-style for the show.

Forster’s adaptation does have a number of great things going for it: a strong cast, a worthy feminist angle and a plucky determination to not gloss over the problematic elements of the dated travelogues depicted. But it also feels like it doesn’t quite land fully as an enthralling family show.

There’s enough to maintain interest and there’s a strong sense of variety at times with acrobatics, dance, juggling and such, but the language of the script is dated and possibly beyond the younger audience members – it feels at times that there is too much talk and not enough action (or maybe just not enough interaction to suit the style of the piece). Either way, there’s enough to enjoy well enough here but it’s not as exciting as it probably should be…

Around the World in 80 Days-ish is at York Theatre Royal until August 3rd 2024 – more information and tickets can be found here.