Around the World in Eighty Days

I have reviewed many shows for Much Hadham Drama Group, but this was the first time I had seen one of their productions performed “in the round”.  Indeed it was the first time, I was reliably told by Chair, Sue Clarke, that the society had staged a production in such a way.

On entering the hall we had to pass the performing space to reach our seats and were aware that the only stage props appeared to be a pile of suitcases. These though were not your average suitcases but rather magnificent pieces of large luggage from a bygone age and presumably about to perform multiple functions. Having previously seen a play directed by Will and in similar minimalist fashion, I knew he had the vision required to make it work, so I was really looking forward to what was in store.

Jules Verne’s novel of the same name was first published in the late 1800s and has become a classic. Having accepted a wager from members of his gentlemen’s club that he can circumnavigate the world in 80 days, Phileas Fogg sets off, with his loyal valet Passepartout, to achieve his aim,

Mark Edwards was well cast as Phileas Fogg. An excellent portrayal of an English gentleman of the period, remaining calm under pressure and never faltering in his belief that he could complete what he had set out to achieve, despite encountering numerous challenges along the way.

I liked Nicky Brant’s Passepartout. She really made the most of every comedic line of the script while keeping up a very convincing French accent throughout.  Princess Aouda, saved from being sacrificed on her husband’s funeral pyre and continuing with Fogg on his travels, was well played by Amy Prosser.

Amanda Green was obviously enjoying playing the rather ridiculous Detective Fix, in pursuit of Fogg who has been mistaken for a bank robber, due to the fact that he is carrying a large amount of money.  Dressed in raincoat and trilby and with a gruff London accent, veering somewhere between cockney and south London, she becomes ever more nonsensical whilst trying to maintain the dignity of her status. Very well done.

Sir Francis Cromarty was played by Jem Deans and Lorna Catt, Neil Clarke, Jill Oxborrow, Sue Wetherall and Vanessa Povey must all be congratulated on playing the many supporting roles, as well as being members of the crowd.  No mean feat considering the number of costume changes involved as the story moves from one exotic location to another.

A quite amazing and very large elephant puppet took us by surprise as it entered the hall.  Made in house and operated by puppeteers Rebecca Jamieson and Vanessa Povey who were joined by a stand-in at this performance, this was indeed something special and I understand the brain child of the Director, having seen the famous War Horse.  Congratulations must go to Will and to Olly Brant and Nicky Brant responsible for its construction.

The aforementioned suitcases were imaginatively used and formed numerous functions from train carriages to a prison cell.  Costumes were absolutely right and projected scenery and film high up on either side of the hall, together with well chosen pieces of music all added to the enjoyment.

The company packed a lot into a short space of time but the inclusion of an interval allowed us to re-set and prepare for the next stage of this delightful romp around the world.

Thank you Much Hadham Drama Group for a very enjoyable evening and for your hospitality.

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