Around the World in 80 Days

The spectacular setting at Merrist Wood on a glorious evening lent itself superbly to this outdoor production.  Sitting under a cloudless sky with stunning views of the Hog’s Back in the distance, birds flying overhead and the occasional aeroplane streaking across the sky, we could imagine ourselves immediately transported to distant lands.  The large stage with a single set was very effective.  A towering panelled wall serving initially as the backdrop for the Reform Club was in place throughout, functioning as the setting for the many exotic places visited by the intrepid travellers.  A large map of the world inset into a clock was the centrepiece, with the clock hand moving slowly around as the adventure progressed.  Minimal props were well used with the cast moving them on and off.  Chairs and tables came and went, a white railing was wheeled around as a balcony, a ship’s railing, a prisoner’s dock.  Costumes were simple and appropriate for the period.  The clever use of headgear indicated the status of the characters – for example the Consuls – and the countries through which they passed.  Mrs Aouda, the unfortunate Indian widow saved by Fogg, was the only one to have different costumes – a red Indian outfit when being led to her unhappy death, a full-skirted Victorian dress for the rest of her travels, and her wedding dress at the end.  There was no need for lighting in the first half as the sun was high in the sky.  Gradually, as dusk descended (and picnic rugs became shawls!) a couple of spots took over and the stage was well lit.  The sound of ocean waves and chugging trains in the background was effective and discreet – audible without being overpowering.  The elephant trumpet was very real!

The cast set the pace right from the start by striding energetically on to the stage and they kept this up all the way through.  Apart from the four Principals, the Ensemble of five played a total of 27 different roles, all of them full of energy and quite a lot of humour.

The opening scene of Fogg (Richard Copperwaite) going through his daily routine of getting up, taking tea (at the exact temperature), marching to the Reform Club, playing Whist, and returning home, cleverly portrayed the monotony of his life by repeating it three times.  Copperwaite was excellent with the right touch of haughtiness and command.  He obviously regarded the wager of going round the world in 80 days perfectly achievable while his companions anticipated a windfall coming their way as he would surely fail.  The unfortunate servant was summarily dismissed for not serving tea at the correct temperature. 

Enter Passepartout (Joe Hall), an innocent recruit as the new valet who has seen the world and is looking forward to a cushy number working for a London gentleman.  He is immediately thrown into confusion by being told that they depart in a couple of hours for the ferry and will then proceed to go round the world, returning in 80 days.  He never let go of two carpet bags, one containing a huge amount of cash and the other only the indispensable Bradshaw’s Guide which was constantly referred to.  Hall was my ideal image of Passepartout – scatty, disorganised, amusing, fearless.  He bounded around getting into all sorts of scrapes while in search of “the sights” and developed an affection for Fogg as they progressed, concerned for his safety and the ultimate outcome of the adventure.  He was particularly good when rolling about on the deck of the ship caught up in a storm – he must have been covered in bruises!  In fact in moments like these the whole cast gave very realistic performances – in trains or steamers or riding on an elephant.

The unfortunate Inspector Fix (Jonathan Arundel), in pursuit of Fogg whom he suspected of being the London Bank Robber, was forced to follow in the wake of the party for the whole journey, constantly thwarted while trying to arrest him and eventually forced to admit that he was wrong and Fogg was no more than a daring adventurer.  Arundel was the dedicated, deadpan English policeman determined to uphold the law at all costs while stoically enduring the adversities for which he was totally unprepared.

Mrs Aouda (Amie Felton) came across as the most normal of all the travellers, down to earth and practical.  Rescued from performing suttee (the ancient Indian custom of widows burning themselves to death on their husband’s pyre, abolished by the British), she joined the travellers to meet up with a relative in Hong Kong, taking part in their adventures.  Felton gave a very assured performance.  She was no simpering widow and injected a nice touch of humour.  The relatives never materialised so she remained with the travellers until their return to London, with an uncertain future ahead.  Fogg, however, believing he had just failed to make the target of 80 days and therefore about to lose his fortune, proposed that they should get married and live happily together in their impoverished circumstances.  Imagine the celebrations when it was calculated that because of the time differences around the world, they were within the deadline, Fogg’s fortune was safe and they could truly live happily ever after!

Director Eddie Woolrich created an excellent show, which kept us engaged from start to finish.  Performing outdoors with limited lighting, simple scenery, few props and restricted entrances and exits, must have been quite a challenge but they were overcome with ease – or so it seemed!  Huge congratulations to him, and the whole team, for a thoroughly entertaining and professional evening.

 

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