Jules Verne’s classic novel Around The World in 80 Days; written by Finnish playwright Bengt Ahllfors and translated by Alan Goodson; has been adapted exclusively for Lung Ha’s Theatre Company by leading Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell, and will be performed in Glasgow and Edinburgh during March and April 2011. Read more …
It is an evening of pure entertainment. Expect innovative dance choreographed by Christine Devaney and magical original music composed by Pete Vilk, played live during the performance. Added to this there is melodrama aplenty from the CATS award winning company.
When Phileas Fogg, and his faithful servant Passepartout board the train in London in 1875 he has only 80 days to travel round the world to win the wager between he and his friends at the great Reform Club. A grand adventure lies ahead, using conventional and more often unconventional travel arrangements; his journey will, of course, include romance, danger and surprises with the redoubtable Scotland Yard pursuing him at every turn.
Maria Oller, Lung Ha’s Artistic Director, who received high acclaim for her direction of Chekhov Shorts last autumn will direct the full performing group of 23. Ben Winger is Assistant Director and set and costume design is by the brilliant Becky Minto with lighting by the equally brilliant Mhairhi Burton Coyle.
There's no denying the company's spirit or ambition in trying to conjure up the thrill of the race found in Verne's original.
There’s impact, too, in the precision and versatility of the ensemble as a whole.
It makes a slightly disappointing follow-up to a year when Lung Ha's really seemed to be unleashing a new kind of performing power.
Lung Ha's Around the World in 80 Days
Platform, Glasgow from Thursday March 31, 2011, until Friday April 1, 2011. More info: www.platform-online.co.uk
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday April 6, 2011, until Thursday April 7, 2011. More info: www.traverse.co.uk