Review: Around the World in 80 Days, The Actors Church

At last! The sun has dipped behind a cloud long enough that it’s safe to expose your skin; and what better way to revel in the good weather than with an outdoor production at The Actors’ Church! Otherwise known as St Paul’s, this venue is in the centre of Covent Garden and was the very first place that Punch & Judy was recorded as being seen in Britain – by none other than diarist Samuel Pepys himself. It’s exactly the right spot to enjoy a chilled drink, perhaps a picnic with friends, and a whole load of laughter in the comedically uplifting Around the World in 80 Days by Alfresco Theatre Company.

Jules Verne’s legendary story has been trimmed and tightened, adapted by the skilled hand of Chris Fung to become a snappy, gloriously enjoyable vehicle for music and mayhem. We’re thrust into a pacey, energetic escapade as a quartet of talented actor musicians (Tom Crabtree, Tali Nishihara Jones, Lucy Little, Felix Gillingwater) take us on a whirlwind trip around the globe, stopping at exotic destinations such as Bombay, Hong Kong and San Francisco, whilst never leaving the gardens. Phileas Fogg, played delightfully rigidly by Crabtree, officiously takes charge on the trip, but the script carefully reminds us that “1872 was a very different time” and his colonial stance is gently diluted by a touch of romance and respect en route.

Played on violins, trombone, guitar and (appropriately) even a packing case, there’s a delightful folky feel (think Benjamin Button) to the joyful music by Thomas F Arnold, which has the audience tapping their feet from the off. The superbly synchronised cast create an engaging, almost immersive relationship with the audience, chatting with them on occasion and drawing them seamlessly into the story. Tara Noonan‘s playful direction sees the whole garden used to dynamically imagine the global journey. Gillingwater as Passepartout in particular gets his steps in, racing around the seated spectators and delivering some hilarious stunts in an outstanding physical performance.

Damien Stanton‘s set design is flexible and sometimes surprising, dressed with varied bunting that changes to give colour and suggest new locations, with unexpected trapdoors and audience interactions adding to the inventive use of the space. Impressive quick costume changes, innovative use of hats and jackets to create additional characters, along with ridiculous slapstick and meticulous physical comedy provide an extra level of entertainment to the already enjoyable storytelling.

It’s great to have an outdoor offering that isn’t yet another Shakespeare. Like the performance space itself, this show offers a real breath of fresh air in the summer programme. It’s energetic, entertaining and an absolutely ideal choice for whole family entertainment. 

Adaption of Jules Verne’s original by Chris Fung
Director: Tara Noonan
Musical Direction, Composition and additional lyrics: Thomas F Arnold
Set & Costume Design: Damien Stanton
Movement Direction: Marina Climent Casas
Produced by Alfresco Actors/Gabriella Sills Productions

Around the World in 80 Days plays at St Paul’s Church until Sunday 30 August.