A brilliant fusion of music, dance, song, history and literature with a large, exuberant cast, Around the World in 80 Days at the BAC is a must for young and old.

To the racy rhythms of a live jazz band, the show's energetic pace kicked off immediately. It is 1873 when typical English gentleman, Phileas Fogg takes a wager to go round the world in 80 days. As he says: "When an Englishman makes a wager, he is very serious indeed." With cheeky opportunist, Passepartout, as his valet, they set off in their race against time.

After a five-hour 17 minutes train journey, which conveys the Victorian emphasis on punctuality, the hardy pair borrow a hot-air balloon on October 9, with 77 days to go. Twirling umbrellas give the impression of clouds and movement, while on earth, a troupe of dancing girls poignantly reveal the sadness behind their happy facade. Fogg is the archetypal Englishman abroad who likes his boiled fish and rhubarb, is not interested in site-seeing and regards a Maharajah's palace as less interesting than "the British Museum's reading room." This arrogance brings about his first meeting with the marooned Princess Ayouda.

Passepartout's description of the trip as "blurry" is reminiscent of the experiences of many contemporary backpackers.

The brave pair set out across the jungle by elephant, rescuing the princess from a gruesome fate. Passepartout develops a touching relationship with the creature, but faces near ruin for his master by mistakenly slaying a sacred cow under the influence of the devious Captain Fix.

Encountering a benevolent dragon, the hapless duo find their passage to Japan through a chance encounter, but Passepartout has again been tempted by the Captain, this time, to an opium den. A hilarious touch arises when the elephant has an artistic tantrum and Passepartout gives instructions that it should only play top venues and not fringe theatres. After being arrested, events take a downturn but a surprise awaits!

Timothy Mitchell does a splendid job as Passepartout like a character from a Tati film, Bill Ward as Fogg pertinently expresses the gradual relaxation of the stiff, upper lip and Rae Baker is charismatic and compelling as the princess. Jane Lucas performs well as the well-heeled Victorian philanthropist, Mrs Fotherington.

With a great score by Annemarie Lewis Thomas and directed by Phil Willmott who wrote the script and original songs, this is musical entertainment at its best.

For details of times, prices and how to book see the listings.

December 28, 2001 15:01