March 23rd 2023
Around the World in 80 Days
The Year 7 pupils recently took the chance to tread the boards and take audiences on a whistle-stop tour of countries across the globe as they told the classic tale of Phileas Fogg’s journey around the world in 80 days.
Back in the Theatre for only the second time since the pandemic, the boys worked with a different type of staging to usual and had three small stages around the edges of the space while the audience sat at cabaret-style seating in the centre of the room. This unique approach allowed the boys to more easily ‘travel’ from one location to another as the performance went on.
‘Around the World in 80 Days’ follows Victorian gentleman Phileas Fogg as he attempts to win a bet with fellow members of the Reform Club. His travels take him through countries including Egypt, India, Hong Kong and The United States using transport ranging from steam locomotive to Indian elephant!
The cast all rose admirably to the challenge of not only having multiple stages and entrances and exits but also to being ‘double-cast’ which meant that they were given two roles to learn before the performances. As always, all pupils in the year group were involved in the production - something that really epitomises the department’s aim of ensuring that everyone continues to enjoy and develop within the subject. It has been a pleasure to work with the boys and see their progress and confidence over the rehearsals and into the performances.
All of the Year 7s have certainly earned their Easter break and we hope they look back with happy memories at their time working on the play.
