Around the World in 80 Days

It’s a long time since I read Jules Verne’s Around the World 80 in Days, but I’m fairly certain that it didn’t start with a rousing medley of London songs and end with the Conga. This version, by Pateley Bridge Dramatic Society did exactly that.

It might seem like a strange idea for a pantomime but this NODA script by Dave Crump really works well. It was an ideal choice for the Society, which allowed the company to play to its strengths. It is packed with awful jokes, colourful characters, varied settings and rip-roaring adventures.

The hero of our pantomime is, obviously, Phineas Fogg, played by Ben Derek. If this was played as a traditional pantomime, Phineas would be our Principal Boy. I’m guessing Ben didn’t have the legs for a short tunic so he played it with warmth, sincerity and some quality acting. The “silly Billy” character was Fogg’s companion on his journey, Passpartout, played by Keith Burton, with a French accent straight out of ‘Allo ‘Allo. He clearly revelled in the role and had the full audience in his hands from the very beginning.The third of our pantomime characters would be the Principal Girl, who would normally fall in love with the Principal Boy within 5 minutes of their first meeting. That doesn’t happen in this story – Surfina, a highly confident performance by Olivia Skipsey, ended up with Passpartout – it must have been his French charm.

If you know the story, Fogg wagers that he will travel around the world within 80 days – in this version, he has that wager with Gringeworthy, the villain of the piece, played by Rich Blackburn. Rich elicited boos and hisses from the audience on his every entrance – a masterful portrayal of a Victorian villain. And, I have to mention the magnificent beard! If we have a villain, we have to have a good fairy – in this case, Fairy Satnav, played by Jo Jefferson. Satnav came to the rescue whenever our heroes were lost. (See what they did there). Jo was a very likeable fairy who brought a sprightly smiley performance throughout the show.

You must remember the pantomime Dame in Verne’s original? No? Well, this version had one in the magnificent guise of Peter Buller as Amanda Cook, widow of the late Thomas – so she was a travel agent and accompanied Fogg on his journeys. Peter makes a wonderful Dame, with some dreadful puns and a slightly irreverent approach to the part. It would have been nice to see some different costumes as she travelled. Budget restrictions?

Every pantomime needs a comedy double act and this one had Fix, played by Joyce Liggins, and Break, played by Libby Mae Issitt. This wonderfully comic pair turned up throughout the journey in a variety of disguises.

There was one other character who kept cropping up in every country they visited – Carol Bailey, as the BBC Correspondent with a variety of ludicrous names and accents.Carol has been a stalwart of the Society over the last few years and she revelled in the part.

As Fogg journeyed across the world he encountered a variety of characters ranging from native Americans and pirates through to the Dalai Lama – all of them played slightly tongue in cheek, as you would expect in a pantomime. So, well done to Hugh Cawley (Thompson & Dalai Lama), Jerry Harvey (Flannagan, Rusty Spoke & Chief Sitting Bull), George Collinson (Pirate Captain), Linda Harvey (Helena Carter), Jo Wright (Indian Maharina), Steve Hunt (General Custer & Surfina’s Father), Andy White (Captain Speedy) and Phoebe Kendal (Snowman, Servant & Nobby the Knit)

It must be a challenging nightmare staging a pantomime on the Playhouse stage, with its multitude of ever-changing scenes, random props and a range of costumes beyond most Society’s assets. So, it’s a huge credit to the many people working so hard behind the scenes to make this show work, and work well : the Stage Manager/set designer – Justin Enthoven ; the stage painting, set building crew – sorry, too many names to list here but you know who you are ; Wardrobe – Ruth Dodsworth & team ; Lighting – Cory Juras ; Sound – Tom Barber & Sue Hickson ; Props – Carol Blades ; and the lady I didn’t notice so she must have been good – the Prompt, Debbie Forsyth. Special mention to the elephant train and the stage coach – splendid.

None of this would have been possible without the vision, skill, encouragement, dedication and time of the Director, Ruth “the dynamo” Dodsworth. Many many congratulations. I intend to reread the book now and see how close you were to the original.

This was my final official visit as NODA Rep to the Playhouse, one of our favourite theatres in the region. So I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your wonderful hospitality over the year. We’ve seen some amazing productions during that time. You’ve not seen the last of me though – we’ll be back as paying customers next time. Thank you.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.