Around the World with Oakham’s Lower School
A large cast of nearly 40 pupils from Lower 1, Form 1 and Form 2 delighted audiences as they chronicled the adventures of Phileas Fogg and his trusty servant Passepartout, in their quest to complete their daring wager to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.
Adapted by Mark Brown from Jules Verne’s classic novel, the production directed by David Norell was a fast-paced race around the world with a highly inventive stage set using portraits with projections to depict the multiple modes of transport and settings of the story. From the Reform Club in London to a Hindu temple on Malabar Hill, via an opium den in Hong Kong, plus numerous trains, ships, a sledge, and even an elephant, the young actors impressed audiences with their pacy, witty dialogue and movement across every inch of the stage.
A lively supporting cast complemented the stellar performances by the lead actors of Fogg, Passepartout, the relentless Inspector Fix and rescued Princess Aouda. A chorus of dancers lent additional colour to the staging by performing dances representing each new country the intrepid travellers visited.
Director of Drama, Gilly Norell, said: “It is always exciting to work with our youngest actors to see the range and depth of talent within the Lower School.
“There were some wonderful performances in this year’s production of Around the World in 80 Days and I commend the children for their commitment and hard work to bring this classic story to life in such an entertaining way.”
Keep up to date with the next productions and find out more about Drama and Theatre at Oakham School.
