Theatre / Around the World in Eighty Days, adapted by Mark Brown. At Perform Australia Theatre, Tuggeranong, until October 31. Reviewed by LEN POWER.

Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, is a novel teeming with many colourful characters from around the world. In Mark Brown’s 2001 adaptation for the stage, a cast of only five play them all.

To win a bet, English aristocrat, Phileas Fogg, with his newly employed French valet, Jean Passepartout, attempts to prove that you can go around the world in 80 days in 1872. Mistaken for a bank robber, Fogg is followed by the wily Detective Fix who wants to arrest him at the first opportunity.

In this Honest Puck production, Brendan Kelly is Phileas Fogg, the stiff-upper-lip English gentleman who remains calm no matter what happens. His hapless French servant, Jean Passepartout, is played by Jack Morton. Both actors give skilful performances, deftly giving their characters a strong human touch that endears them to the audience.

James Scott is a delight as the plodding but determined Detective Fix. He also plays other characters encountered as the play progresses. Pema Yogini Yuphel is a charming Aouda, rescued from a ritual burning in India.

Leo Amadeus busily plays most of the other characters. Each swift character sketch is well done with minimal costuming and a sly knowing wink to the audience. He must be exhausted by the end of the show.

The fact that the show is done on a miniscule budget works in its favour. Ange Fewtrell has provided the many bits of period costumes, hats and even wigs that add colour to the show. With a multitude of simple props and some deft shadow puppeteering by Deni Dominguez, this journey around the world is highly enjoyable theatre.

Director, James Scott, ensures that the show moves at a cracking pace and it’s often very funny. The cast are working hard but you sense they’re enjoying it all as much as the audience. They even have an elephant!

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