Writer: Jules Verne
Adapter and Director: Juliet Forster
The ‘ish’ in the title of this show is incredibly intriguing. Jules Verne’s 1873 novel has been adapted for film, television and the stage many times, with or without a hot air balloon (interestingly that isn’t in the book, as we are told in the first five minutes of this production). The ‘ish’ however doesn’t refer to the artistic licence with which director Juliet Forster takes on the complex and frenetic storyline of the original book, but instead how she weaves in the real-life character of American journalist Nellie Bly, who actually did circumnavigate the world in 1889, and in a good deal less time than the fictional Fogg.
This circus-themed production was first staged under Covid social-distancing restrictions on a circus trailer, visiting playing fields on all four corners of York in 23 days in August 2021. An outdoor pop up show originally, it still retains that feeling of visiting the circus – indeed the audience is treated to both an aerial display and a brilliant drunken-see-saw-comedy-acrobatic display in the second half.
The five strong cast multi-task with skill and energy, they all have multiple talents. Kiefer Moriarty is an excellent (slightly petulant) Ringmaster as well as the seemingly unflappable Phileas Fogg. Sligo born Moriarty uses his experience in Magic Goes Wrong to bring just the right amount of physicality and personality to his dual roles, slipping seamlessly between the two with a change of accent and a raised eyebrow.
York actress Maria Gray is instantly likeable as investigative journalist Nellie Bly and also as the Acrobat, showing great aerial skills, great comedic timing and the ability to become an elephant too. It is clear how versatile an actor is when they can become both an American lady and minutes later a sea captain from Hull!
Ambika Sharma is a delight as Aouda and the Trick Rider, while also doubling up in a whole range of other bit parts when needed. Parisien David Abecassis works hard as Passepartout and the Clown and is the perfect sidekick for Fogg.
Rowan Armitt-Brewster is very funny as detective Fix who spends his time skulking around trying to foil and subsequently aid Fogg’s plans, but funnier still are his accents and mini-personas taken on throughout the show – in particular the slightly camp Liverpudlian was a firm favourite with the audience.
The show must, of course, move along at pace – there is much to tell and many countries to visit – luckily a revolving sign keeps the audience informed throughout so that it is clear which destination is next. Forster adds in real descriptions by Nellie Bly that add colour, warmth and feeling to the world that Phileas Fogg barely stops to even look at, meaning that the audience feels they have been to these places, rather than just watching the gang hop off one form of transport and on to another.
Costumes, set and props work beautifully together to enhance the storyline – pitched at audiences of 7+ years there is definitely a lot to follow, but this is a funny delight of a show that takes you all the way around the world and back home in time for bed.
Runs until 3rd August.
