[Ad-gifted] Fast-paced, funny and full of wonder, Around the World in 80 Days returns to the New Vic Theatre. Danielle Booker reviews.
Around the World in 80 Days follows Phileas Fogg and his loyal servant Passepartout as they race across the globe in an attempt to complete an impossible journey in just 80 days. Packed with comedy, chaos and theatrical creativity, the New Vic Theatre brings this much-loved tale to life in spectacular fashion.
I was lucky enough to be amongst the first audience to see Laura Eason’s adaptation of the Jules Verne’s classic adventure story in 2013. In fact this is my third time seeing this production as I also took my two young nephews. Now in their 20s, it was Around the World in 80 Days that was the catalyst for their love of New Vic shows, and now – all grown up – they still attend the Christmas play with me every year.
What did I think of Around the World in 80 Days?
From the moment the impeccably organised Phileas Fogg, played by Andrew Pollard, accepts his impossible wager, the production launches audiences on a whirlwind journey across the globe. Trains race across continents, storms erupt at sea and bustling cities appear and disappear in seconds, all created through inventive choreography, physical theatre and a handful of props. It is a perfect example of theatre allowing the audience’s imagination to become part of the storytelling.
Andrew Pollard brings a wonderfully understated calm to Phileas Fogg, grounding the increasingly chaotic adventure with dry humour and quiet determination. Alongside him, Michael Hugo as Passepartout provides much of the evening’s warmth and comedy, with the pair forming a partnership that keeps the story engaging throughout.
Directed by Theresa Heskins, the production design is deceptively simple but endlessly inventive. Trunks become trains, ropes become oceans and actors become scenery in ways that feel both clever and delightfully nostalgic. There is a real sense of old-fashioned theatre magic throughout the performance, reminding audiences that spectacle does not require elaborate special effects.
I took my five-year-old daughter to see the play and, like me, she was completely swept up in the adventure. She looked especially amazed when a grey blanket suddenly transformed in an elephant!
Around the World in 80 Days works on multiple levels. Children will love the comedy and chaos, while adults can appreciate the extraordinary skill and inventiveness behind every scene change and character transformation.
What is perhaps most impressive is the versatility of the ensemble cast. With actors constantly switching characters, accents and costumes at remarkable speed, the production never loses momentum. The cast throw themselves wholeheartedly into the madness of the journey, often creating some of the evening’s funniest moments through sheer physicality and timing.
The show moves at an exhilarating pace yet still allows moments of heart and reflection to shine through. It captures the excitement of Verne’s novel while making it feel fresh, playful and accessible to modern audiences.
A theatrical spectacle fuelled almost entirely by creativity, energy and charm, so whether it’s your first-time or third, Around the World in 80 Days will not disappoint!
Cast of Around The World In 80 Days
Pushpinder Chani Mr Naidu and others
Thomas Cotran Colonel Proctor and others
Dennis Herdman Inspector Fix
Michael Hugo Passepartout
Elliot Parchment-Morrison Captain Speedy and others
Purvi Parmar Mrs Aouda and others
Kiara Nicole Pillai Miss Singh and others
Andrew Pollard Phileas Fogg
Creative Team
Theresa Heskins Director
Lis Evans Designer
Alexandra Stafford Lighting Designer
James Atherton Composer
Beverley Norris-Edmunds Choreographer
How much are the tickets for Around The World In 80 Days?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £15 to £42.
How do I book tickets to watch Around The World In 80 Days?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long will Around The World In 80 Days be running for and what are the timings?
Around The World In 80 Days will be running at the New Vic Theatre until Saturday, 20 June 2026 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on 30/05, 04/06, 06/06, 11/06, 13/06 and 20/06).
Interpreted Performances
Captioned: 7.30pm @ Tue, 9 June
Audio described: 2.15pm @ Sat, 13 June
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £2.50 charge on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.
Review by: Dani Booker
You may also want to read this:
Review: One Man, Two Guvnors at New Vic Theatre
Review: A Leap In The Dark at New Vic Theatre
Review: Ladies Down Under at New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Andrew Billington
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
12 comments
What a wonderful review! This sounds like such a fun and imaginative production. I love how the cast uses creativity, movement, and simple props to bring such a grand adventure to life. It’s always special when a show can entertain both children and adults, and it sounds like Around the World in 80 Days does exactly that. Your daughter’s reaction to the blanket transforming into an elephant says it all!
Absolutely Lisa and thank you. She had an amazing time watching the show
Wonderful review! I loved the movie when it came out many years ago. I would love to see this play.
Thank you, I hope you do get the chance to see the play in person
I’ve heard of around the world in 80 days but never got to watch it in person. I would love to see the play, it is such a captivating story.
It certainly was and so well executed as well
Around the World in 80 Days is truly a fantastic story. I watched the movie as a kid and loved it. Would love to watch it in a play form.
You would definitely have loved the play as it would have brought back memories of you when you were a child
The show sounds brilliant! I remember watching the movie as a kid and always really enjoyed it. I think I’d love this! And so would my kids too. I’m glad you both had a wonderful time!
It is a fabulous family show and my daughter enjoyed it as much as I did
What a classic to see in the theatre! Sounds like a brilliant show – the New Vic Theatre always has some great preformances.
Yes they sure do host some great live performances and this is one not to be missed