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Around The World In 80 Days
Royal Exchange Manchester
Manchester
5/5
Jules Verne’s eponymous novel is absurd nonsense, unbelievable and given the technological advances in communications and travel, it is archaic.
Yet, in the skilful hands of director Theresa Heskins and her wonderful troupe of talented actors, this production of Around The World In 80 Days is beautifully crafted, delightfully nuanced, very funny and an all-round excellent night’s entertainment.
Phileas Fogg accepts a £20,000 challenge to travel around the world in 80 days. This takes our hero from London to Paris, Brindisi, through the Suez canal to India, across to Hong Kong, Japan, steamer to San Francisco, on to New York, ship to Liverpool and finally train to London.
With the brilliant use of props, the audience lives every shake from the decrepit railway, every swirl from the rough seas and even painful bumps from an elephant at full pelt.
Andrew Pollard is fabulous as Fogg. A stiff, tight-lipped Englishman devoid of emotion, convinced that everything has a mathematical solution. Until he begins to melt as he struggles with the possibility of love seeping into his life.
But it is the outstanding Michael Hugo as Fogg’s valet that drives most of the action. His comic timing and athleticism are breathtaking.
He establishes a wonderful rapport with the audience and is involved in a number of extraordinary fight sequences which are a smashing pastiche of the 1970s Kung Fu movies.
Mention should also be made of Dennis Herdman who creates a great panto villain as the hapless Inspector Fix, who is determined to arrest Fogg for robbing the Bank of England.
Many of the jokes and the denouement are telegraphed but the sheer joy is in the anticipation of the delivery. That is a real talent and this cast hit the mark every time.
With the sun splitting the pavements in Manchester, it is recommended that you head to the Exchange for what is a zany summer pantomime which can be enjoyed by all ages.
Runs until August 16 2014. Box office 0161 833 9833
PAUL FOLEY
