Around the World in 80 Days, with only three actors, in one evening. This was the tall task the ambitious Oxfordshire Theatre Company set themselves in their new show. Based on the Jules Verne classic, this show takes us from London to India, Japan, America and back again, in a story of epic proportions with a twisting plot, outrageous characters and plenty of slapstick humour.
The story begins in Victorian London, a world where mankind is pushing at the boundaries of Science and a Thoroughly Respectable Englishman’s honour and chivalry is taken for granted. Enter Phileas Fogg, a gentleman with an unusual interest in time who may or may not have just robbed the bank of England. His wager to travel around the world in 80 days starts him on a crazy adventure, full of larger-than-life characters and unforeseen obstacles, pursued by the slightly-too-loveable detective who has been employed to track him down.
Such a big story needed a versatile set - capable of transforming in an instant, cleverly designed and deliciously steampunk. It also needed equally versatile actors. The trio were full of energy and fun, and played dozens of roles between them, while getting a good many laughs out of moments when the doubling got overcomplicated. They powered through the story at high speed with a style of their own, using a huge range of theatrical techniques to bring the book to life in a way that was playful and remained largely true to the original story. Their cosy, friendly style was perfectly suited to this size of venue. Quirky caricatures were handled with zest and good humour, poking fun at everyone in view, especially the Thoroughly Respectable Englishman.
The show had imaginative props and design,which cleverly solved problems such as how to bring a whole elephant onstage in the little Chipping Norton Theatre, and how to stage a fight on the outside of a train. I also really enjoyed the costumes, from Phileas Fogg’s clock-themed waistcoat to the huge and imaginative range of moustaches used throughout the piece.
Oxfordshire Theatre Company’s show promises an evening of family fun, thrilling and fast paced, that will have everyone laughing together.