AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS – JAN 16-20

A high-energy anarchic trip around the globe is going to open the 2018 season at Norwich Theatre Royal.

The huge comedy hit Around the World In 80 Days follows the story of the mysterious and fabulously wealthy Phileas Fogg who bets his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.

Fogg and his loyal valet Passepartout start their journey in the smog-filled alleys of Victorian London before heading to the exotic subcontinent and the Wild West on their exciting journey.

The show itself, which runs from January 16 to 20, will see a cast of eight play a total of 125 characters in a production which features six trains, five boats, four fights, three dances, two circus acts and an elephant.

And the visit to Norwich is part of the show’s very first UK tour. It premiered at the New Vic Theatre in 2013 followed by a successful season at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre the following year, and it has also been nominated for several theatrical awards.

Andrew Pollard will play the lead role of Phileas Fogg and boasts a strong stage performing pedigree including Peter Pan In Scarlet, The Ladykillers, Hay Fever, and Arsenic And Old Lace as well as TV roles in the likes of Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Spooks:Liberty.

And he is relishing the opportunity to take on such a great role. He said: “Phileas Fogg is a quintessential Englishman and a very ordered man which I certainly am not. He's everybody's idea of a 'stiff upper lip' Englishman but despite his insular nature, he is very kind and decent and fair.

“What is great about this character is we see him go through a marvellous transformation from a sort of remote, emotionally repressed kind of man to a man of passion and vigour. İt’s a lovely character journey to play.”

But is it a bit challenging to take on the part? Andrew said: “Fogg is the straight man about whom all the comedy and mayhem whirls. I love doing comedy but I have to remain calm and in control pretty much throughout. Sadly I don’t get to do any slapstick and I have to wear a heavy hot Victorian costume during a very energetic show.

So far, the show has won very positive reviews around the country and Andrew believes Norwich audiences are in for a treat. He said: “By its nature it is very filmic but at the same time it’s such a high-energy show. It’s very fast-paced; there are lots of theatrics, lots of comedy with great spirit and joy, and of course there’s audience interaction, so you do feel like you’re being swept up on this journey. We also have a terrific score by James Atherton, which is a fantastic driving force throughout the show.”

And Andrew also believes the production’s strength is that everyone of any age can enjoy it. He said: “It is the most uplifting show I've ever been part of and quite simply, it's a really good night out!”