#Dennis Herdman

[thestageyshelf]

A Mad World My Masters @ Barbican Theatre 2015 (#177)

Title: A Mad World My Masters

Venue: Barbican Theatre

Year: 2015

Condition: Good condition

Author: By Thomas Middleton. Edited by Sean Foley and Phil Porter

Director: Sean Foley

Choreographer: Polly Bennett

Cast: Charlie Archer, Joe Bannister, Ellie Beaven, Ishia Bennison, Christopher Chilton, Ben Deery, Dennis Herdman, Linda John-Pierre, Pearl Mackie, Lois Meleri-Jones, Lee Mengo, Michael Moreland, Nicholas Prasad, Ian Redford, Sarah Ridgeway, David Rubin, Bertie Taylor-Smith, Sarah Quist, Jonny Weldon

FIND ON EBAY HERE

#A Mad World My Masters #Barbican Theatre #Play #theatre #theatre programme #stageyshelf #pearl mackie

[tomhiddleslove]

Curtain Call - at the Birmingham Rep's revival of 'The Play What I Wrote' at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on December 06, 2021 in Birmingham, UK.

With Dennis Herdman, Thom Tuck and Mitesh Soni.

And, Tom Hiddleston as guest star.

#Tom Hiddleston #Dennis Herdman #Thom Tuck #Mitesh Soni #The Play What I Wrote #The Birmingham Repertory Theatre #December 06 #hiddles 2021 #twhiddleston #Theatre tom #tom on stage #curtain call #comedy #guest star #sean foley #Revival play #Birmingham #England

[insanityclause]

Playbill did a bit of a writeup for The Play What I Wrote.

#tom hiddleston #Thom tuck #Dennis Herdman #Mitesh Soni

[willstafford]

Wise Guys

THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE The REP, Birmingham, Monday 6th December, 2021 In years gone by, the Morecambe & Wise special was a staple and indeed highlight of Christmas telly, replete with sketches, songs, dressing-up, attempts at high drama, and surprise celebrity guests.  Therefore, the 20th anniversary production of this play is an excellent choice for the Rep’s seasonal show this year. All the…

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#Birmingham Rep #Dennis Herdman #Eric Morecambe #Ernie Wise #Loki #Mitesh Soni #Morecambe & Wise #review #Sean Foley #The Play What I Wrote #Thom Tuck #Tom Hiddleston

[richaldis]

#morecambe and wise #tom hiddleston #dennis herdman #thom tuck

[twh-news]

The Play that I Wrote, review: Tom Hiddleston sends himself up a treat in this hilarious revival | The Telegraph

A surprise outbreak of Hiddleston-mania occurred in Birmingham at the weekend and last night, with the opening of The Play What I Wrote, one of the daftest and most delightful stage comedy shows of the 21st century, re-minted for a new generation. Twenty years ago, it was the cameo presence of Ralph Fiennes that galvanised the press night at Wyndham’s Theatre. This time round, Rep artistic director Sean Foley – one half of erstwhile comedy duo the Right Size, who penned and first performed this arch tribute to Morecambe and Wise – had recruited another Hollywood name to guest-star: Tom Hiddleston, who proved sweetly game for a laugh. (Other big names will appear as the run proceeds.) He suffered himself to be ignored, misnamed, attired in a hideous crinoline, required to dance like a prat and send himself up something rotten. How so? As fans of the light-entertainment giants will recall, “the play what I wrote” was the lamentable exercise in playwriting that Wise would inflict on both Morecambe and viewers, dragooning famous faces to take part. It was such an institution that it became a who’s who of actors and celebrities seeking to flaunt a sense of humour, among them Glenda Jackson, Vanessa Redgrave and John Mills. The fool but hardy idea of Foley and fellow Right Sizer Hamish McColl was to hold onto the notion of a play within a play as a way into their homage, and then apply a circuitous route to it. In the Olivier-winning original production, directed by Kenneth Branagh, they offered versions of themselves: a double-act on the point of splitting up, a despondent McColl obsessed with being a playwright, Foley running along with the idea but slyly signing up his comedy partner to take part in a M&W tribute in a bid to keep them together. In this fresh incarnation, the present-day double-act are played by kindred spirits but not actual comedy partners: the actor Dennis Herdman and the sketch comic Thom Tuck. Confused? You won’t be. A longstanding fan of Eric and Ernie? You needn’t be either. The show, which was written in conjunction with the stars’ scriptwriter Eddie Braben, and has been tweaked here and there to keep it up to date, achieves the near-impossible. It weaves in all kinds of nods to the comedy legends but cleaves to the basic conceit that it’s all happening on its own terms. Sustained impersonation isn’t attempted, instead we get a flavour of what the duo embodied – the squabbling familiarity of a married couple and a nicely contrasting playfulness.

Herdman, 6ft 2in, blessed with an Eric-esque physicality and quickness, and Tuck, who possesses an Ernie-like pensiveness and dreaminess, are first seen (not lying but standing upright) in a flimsily suggested bed singing a riddling ditty. Dennis swiftly announces his impending French Revolution-set playlet – A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple. One snag is that the designated celebrity, Ian McKellen, isn’t available (he’s in panto, or the pub) and snag two is that there’s anger in the stalls from the “militant wing” of the M&W appreciation society (a multi-tasking Mitesh Soni), demanding a more overt tribute. By the time we get to the second half, and the frisson-inducing arrival of le Hiddleston, we’ve had a welter of old-fashioned gags, verbal and visual, timed to perfection. But the best material lies in the VIP lounge area of the evening. “I did The Night Manager”, explains the bemused-acting intruder, forced to identify himself. “Really?” comes the retort. “Did his wife know?” “I am a forlorn Conte”, Hiddleston later deadpans. To which: “Hold it there, son…. Can he say that?” This perhaps isn’t, then, the perfect family Christmas outing. But it is the ideal winter warmer for those in search of sophisticated nostalgia. “Bring me sunshine”, they sing at the end – complete with signature springing steps. They did then; they do now. You’ll laugh your head off. You may shed a little tear too.

#tom hiddleston #the play what i wrote #article #review #the telegraph

[peterviney1]

Around The World in 80 Days review Link to the New Vic's touring production of Around The World in 80 Days, seen at Salisbury Playhouse. This is vibrant, imaginative physical theatre with a cast of eight playing 125 characters. Michael Hugo as Passepartoute gives the comic performance of the year.

#Andrew Pollard #Dennis Herdman #Kirsten Foster #Laura Eason #Michael Hugo #Theresa Heskins

[bigyack-com]

Subhas Menon to Become AAPA Director General in March 2020

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has announced that Mr. Subhas Menon will take up the position of AAPA Director General with effect from 1 March 2020, following the decision by the current Director General, Mr. Andrew Herdman, to step down after having successfully led the association since 2004.

Mr. Menon has over 35 years of experience in international aviation with the Singapore Airlines Group, having served in a wide spectrum of senior management roles including international relations, marketing, product development, logistics, country & regional management, most recently as Regional Vice President Europe. Reporting through the Executive Committee to the AAPA Assembly of Presidents, as Director General Mr. Menon will represent the interests of the AAPA and its member airlines on a wide range of aviation policy issues, working closely with member airlines and other aviation industry stakeholders. The AAPA, as the trade association of international airlines based in the Asia Pacific region, has built up a strong reputation and presence with leading regulators and other industry stakeholders as a credible and respected voice of the Asia Pacific airline community. AAPA engages in regular dialogues with national governments and regulators, and lobbies actively on issues of common interest to members, such as aviation safety, security, infrastructure, passenger facilitation, regulatory oversight, future growth and environmental sustainability.

AAPA Chairman 2019 and Chief Executive Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways, Mr Augustus Tang said, "On behalf of our member airlines, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication and strong leadership of the AAPA over the past fifteen years. Under his guidance, AAPA has strengthened its profile both internationally and within the Asia Pacific region. AAPA is recognised as the authoritative voice of Asia Pacific aviation and has built strong relations of trust with member airlines and other key aviation stakeholders including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), regional and national regulators, and other industry bodies. We warmly welcome Subhas Menon and congratulate him on his appointment as the incoming Director General of AAPA. We look forward to working closely together to further the mission and work of the association as we move ahead." Mr. Andrew Herdman said, "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as AAPA Director General, working closely together with AAPA member airlines and helping to voice their views on a wide range of industry and related regulatory issues. Today, the AAPA is a widely respected organisation globally as well as within the Asia Pacific region, and works in close collaboration with national governments, regional and international organisations, and other aviation stakeholders. The Asia Pacific region is already the largest aviation market globally, with further great opportunities ahead of us. Subhas Menon, with his breadth of international and commercial experience, is very well qualified to lead AAPA in its next phase of development." Latest HD video interviews and podcasts: Seaplanes in Thailand? Interview with Dennis Keller, CBO of Siam Seaplane, Simpson Marine - Interview with Howard Prime, Country Manager Thailand, Seven HD Video Interviews from IATA Airline Industry Retailing Symposium 2019 in Bangkok, Future of Airline Distribution and NDC - Interview with Yanik Hoyles, IATA, Cambodia Airways' Plans for the Future - Interview with Commercial Director and Nine Exclusive HD Video Interviews from Cambodia Travel Mart 2019. See latest Travel News, Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: AAPA. Source link Read the full article

[kansascityhappenings]

Postal worker, roommate indicted for stealing mail, $47K worth of gift cards

CLEVELAND – A postal worker and a man she lived with were indicted for conspiracy after they allegedly stole $47,000 worth of gift cards from the mail.

Jennifer Riccardi, 46, worked at the main mail processing center in Cleveland, according to the Department of Justice.  She allegedly stole greeting cards, letters and other pieces of mail that she believed contained gift cards.

Officials said Riccardi would hide the stolen pieces of mail and take them to the residence she shared with Joseph Dennis, 37, during her mid-shift break or at the end of her shift.

Dennis and Riccardi are accused of selling at least 41 stolen gift cards and using stolen gift cards to make purchases from Amazon, Kohl’s, Starbucks and other stores.

The Department of Justice said in a press release, “On December 11, 2017, Dennis and Riccardi possessed at their residence at least 108 pieces of stolen mail, $42,000 in cash, an automatic currency counter and 1,505 stolen gifts cards from approximately 230 merchants or vendors. Of those, 1,322 of the gift cards bore face values, which totaled approximately $47,000.”

In one night alone, Riccardi is accused of stealing more than 100 apparent greeting cards. Among the stolen mail that was opened was a card from a mother to her daughter signed “Love you! Mom” and a card from an uncle and aunt wishing a “Happy 1st Birthday.”

The conspiracy reportedly took place between December 2016 and Dec. 11, 2017.

Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said both Riccardi and Dennis were indicted on charges including conspiracy to commit theft of mail and possession of stolen mail, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, possession of stolen mail and access device fraud.

Riccardi was also charged with theft of mail by a postal employee.

“This defendant is accused of stealing more than a thousand  gift cards worth tens thousands of dollars, including birthday presents or other gifts people entrusted to the postal service for delivery to their family and loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Those who steal mail will be held accountable for their actions, just like any other criminal.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Kenneth F. Cleevely, Eastern Area Field Office, released the following statement:

“The vast majority of the 500,000 postal employees nationwide are hard-working, trust worthy individuals.  However, when one of those employees choose to violate that trust and steal from the mail for personal gain, special agents with the USPS OIG will vigorously investigate and pursue federal prosecution when appropriate. When postal employees choose to steal from the mail, they risk their career, benefits, retirement, and possibly their freedom. To report theft of mail, or other postal employee crimes, contact special agents at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2018/12/20/postal-worker-roommate-indicted-for-stealing-mail-47k-worth-of-gift-cards/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2018/12/21/postal-worker-roommate-indicted-for-stealing-mail-47k-worth-of-gift-cards/

[investmart007]

Ohio News: Lorain County, Three people indicted in federal court for drug trafficking in Lorain County, the latest charges in a coordinated, cooperative law enforcement effort targeting opioid distribution there

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/O8ERge

Ohio News: Lorain County, Three people indicted in federal court for drug trafficking in Lorain County, the latest charges in a coordinated, cooperative law enforcement effort targeting opioid distribution there

Lorain County, Ohio – Three people were indicted in federal court for drug trafficking in Lorain County, the latest charges in a coordinated, cooperative law enforcement effort targeting opioid distribution there.

Indicted are Doyal Cannon, 33, of Elyria, Aaron Matthews, 35, of Lorain, and Ramon Collins, 36, of Cleveland.

Cannon was indicted on charges of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, as well as firearms charges.

Cannon on June 13 had more than two grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin and seven grams of cocaine.

He also had a Glock .40-caliber handgun and ammunition, despite prior convictions that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, including cocaine trafficking, being a felon in possession of a firearm and other crimes. Cannon was on supervised release from a previous federal firearm conviction on June 13, according to court documents.

Matthews was indicted on 11 counts related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, 3-Methylfentanyl and/or cocaine, as well as two firearms counts.

Matthews possessed a Kel-Tec 9 mm Luger pistol and ammunition on Dec. 13, 2017, in relation to his drug trafficking activities. It was also illegal for Matthews to have a firearm because of his prior drug and firearms convictions, according to court documents.

Collins was indicted on charges of distribution of fentanyl and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.

Collins on July 17 possessed nearly seven grams of femtanyl. Four days later, he possessed nearly 29 grams of a mixture of been heroin and fentanyl, according to court documents.

“These indictments, along with our activities of the past month, should make it clear that Lorain County is closed for business when it comes to drug trafficking,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Many of these defendants are dangerous because they illegally have firearms while selling opioids and other drugs that have caused so much death and destruction in our community. All of our law enforcement partners are working together to stem the flow of these drugs into our neighborhoods – if you sell opioids in Lorain County, you are facing federal prison time.”

Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said: “The Elyria Police Department is grateful for the outstanding working relationship we share with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Officers from our department investigated several drug complaints and were able to build a case and arrest several drug dealers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office took the cases and received indictments on all of them. I look forward to working together to take many more drug dealers off the streets of Elyria.”

The Cannon case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and the FBI. The Matthews and Collins cases were investigated by the Lorain County Drug Task Force and the Lorain County HIDTA. They are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Corts and Vasile Katsaros.

Operation S.O.S. was announced last month by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman. Since then, numerous individuals have been charged or indicted in federal court. Among them:

Kenneth Ward has been charged in a multiple count indictment with various drug distribution counts, including the sale of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine. This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

Christopher Robinson Jr.: has been indicted in a multiple count indictment with various drug distribution counts, including the sale of heroin and fentanyl. This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

Dennis A. Smith has been indicted on multiple counts of drug distribution, including the sale of heroin and fentanyl. This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

Ronald Johnson Jr. has been indicted for distributing heroin. This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

Dwayne Taylor has been charged with distribution of heroin and fentanyl. At the time of Taylor’s arrest he possessed a firearm and ammunition. This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

Christopher D. Chapman has been indicted on charges of distribution of N-Methyl Norfentanyl and cocaine. This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department.

Todd Colema has been charged with distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. This case was investigated by the Lorain Police Department.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

—–

SOURCE: news provided by JUSTICE.GOV on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

#Aaron Matthews #Cleveland #cooperative law #Department of Justice #DOJ #Doyal Cannon #Drug Trafficking #Lorain County news #ohio news #Ramon Collins #TodayNews

[insanityclause]

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: (L to R) Dennis Herdman, Mitesh Soni, Tom Hiddleston, Thom Tuck and Sean Foley attend the Birmingham Rep's revival of "The Play What I Wrote" at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on December 6, 2021 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

[twh-news]

Tom Hiddleston makes surprise appearance during play at Chichester Festival Theatre

I have never seen an episode of their television show, my only touch-points being Eric’s signature glasses and a foggy memory of a dance involving Angela Rippon.

Cue some justified eye rolling from readers.

I thought I would to be doing a fair amount of that too, bracing myself for a ham-fest straight out of some dusty corner of the BBC archives.

But it is testament to this production that being as apathetic as I was to the double-act, within minutes I was swept away by the benign silliness of it all.

And a cameo appearance by a Hollywood star did not hurt either.

The play stars a duo inspired by Morecambe and Wise, in both senses of the phrase, who spend the entire show avoiding doing what they were ‘hired’ to do – impersonate the TV legends.

In the process, they unwittingly improvise a variety show in the style of their icons, complete with musical numbers, slapstick comedy, silly walks, prop gags and an inflatable palm tree or two.

The script is laced with puns that any dad would be proud of, delivered at a breakneck pace by Dennis Herdman and Thom Tuck, the latter of whom spent most of the show with his hair stuck to his face through sheer exertion.

You would be forgiven for thinking thus far that this is a two-man show – when in fact there are a couple of other important roles.

Mitesh Soni plays Arthur the plumber, who himself plays several characters, including a whole village of French proletariats and Scarlett Johansson.

Confused? You should be –but his cute charm cuts through the madness.

The other role goes to a selection of mystery guests that send up themselves, a la Ricky Gervais’ Extras.

I was expecting someone like Les Dennis (sorry Les), so imagine my shock when A-lister Tom Hiddleston of Marvel fame walks out from the wings.

The Olivier winner and Tony nominee was clearly not afraid to laugh at himself – and neither was the audience.

And just when I thought it could not get any more surreal, I can now say I have seen Loki have his head chopped off while dressed as Marie Antoinette.

(If you want to understand what I just said, it’s worth the price of a ticket.)

I have been to the theatre a few times since the pandemic began, but this was my first reminder in a long while of how joyous it is to be in a room filled with laughter.

And while I still cannot claim to be an expert on Morecambe and Wise, I now understand a fraction of why they were so beloved by so many.

Until February 12.

#tom hiddleston #the play what i wrote #chischester festival theatre #article

[placerdiario]

The Driving Seat (2017) from TurnTheSlateProductions on Vimeo.

"THE DRIVING SEAT"

One Saturday morning, a middle aged couple decide to make love in their car in the driveway to put a spark back in their marriage – only to find it has rather the opposite effect..

Starring Janie Dee & James Lailey With Dennis Herdman

Writer/Director/Exec Producer - Phil Lowe

Producer - Alexei Slater

DoP - Adrian Brown Sound Recorder - Alastair Widgery Script Supervisor - Magdalena Drahovska Editor - Nick Saunders Production coordinator - Hugo Mitchell Hair & MakeUp Designer - Diandra Ferriera Production Assistant - Aleksandra Debska Stills Photographer - Daniel D Moses Location Management, Catering & EPK - Nigel Cassidy & Ann Cassidy Colorist - Katherine Jamieson Sound Design and Dubbing Mixers - Jack Doyle & Louis Morgan

Turn The Slate Productions & Grumpy Rabbit Halo Post Production Jungle Studios

turntheslateproductions.com/portfolio/the-driving-seat/ facebook.com/TurnTheSlateProductions/ twitter.com/turntheslatep phil-lowe.com/My_Writing.html

Selected for (the BAFTA qualifying) Aesthetica Film Festival, 2016 & (the BAFTA qualifying) London Short Film Festival, 2017 and (OSCAR qualifying) Cleveland Intl. Film Festival, 2017

Full List below:

Festivals:

1. The Smalls Film Festival UK, 2016 2. Houston Comedy Film Festival USA, 2016 3. Aesthetica Film Festival UK, 2016 (BAFTA Affiliated) 4. Crystal Palace Intl. Film Festival UK, 2016 5. Los Angeles Comedy Festival USA, 2016 6. In The Palace Intl. Short Film Festival BULGARIA, 2016 7. London Short Film Festival UK, 2017 (BAFTA Affiliated) 8. British Shorts, Berlin GERMANY, 2017 9. We Like Em Short Film Festival USA, 2017 10. Cleveland International Film Festival USA, 2017 (OSCAR Affiliated) 11. Garden State Film Festival USA, 2017 12. Taos Shortz Film Fest USA, 2017 13. London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival UK, 2017 14. Sunderland Shorts Film Festival UK, 2017 15. Crossroads Film Festival USA, 2017 16. The European Independent Film Festival FRANCE, 2017 17. Newport Beach Film Festival USA, 2017 18. 20 Min Max International Short Film Festival GERMANY, 2017 19. One 2 Arts Festival UK, 2017 20. Hollywood Comedy Shorts Film Festival USA, 2017 21. Southside Film Festival USA, 2017 22. East End Film Festival UK, 2017 23. The Shortest Nights UK, 2017 24. Lviv International Film Festival UKRAINE, 2017 25. Macon Film Festival USA, 2017 26. Ischia Film Festival ITALY, 2017 27. Jefferson State Flixx Fest USA, 2017 28. Dinard British Film Festival FRANCE, 2017 29. Heart of Gold Film Festival AUSTRALIA, 2017 30. Way Down Film Festival USA, 2017 31. Isle of Man Film Festival UK, 2017 32. (Danny Boyle`s) Shuffle Festival UK, 2017 33. Norwich Film Festival UK, 2017 34. Liverpool Independent Film Festival UK, 2017 35. DC Shorts Film Festival USA, 2017 36. Colchester Film Festival UK, 2017 37. Pittsburgh Shorts Fest USA, 2017 38. All Lights India International Film Festival INDIA, 2017 39. Thunderdance Film Festival UK, 2017 40. Rome International Cinefest ITALY, 2017

Awards/Nominations:

Smalls Festival: Nominated, Best Comedy

Crystal Palace Intl. Film Festival: Nominated, Best Comedy

Houston Comedy Film Festival: Nominated, Best Actress & Best Cinematography

London Worldwide Comedy Short Film Fest: Bronze Medal

Taos Shortz Film Fest: Honourable Mention, Comedy

Sunderland Shorts Festival: Special Jury Mention & Runner up UK National Films Category

We Like Em Short Film Festival: Nominated, Best Actor & WINNER ‘Shortie’ Audience Choice Award

Dinard Film Festival: Shortcuts Competition WINNER Hitchcock Audience Award.

Isle of Man Film Festival: WINNER, Best Comedy Short.

Danny Boyle`s Shuffle Festival: Nominated, Best Short Film

Thunderdance Film Festival: Runner Up

[londontheatre]

Matthew Ganley (Colonel Proctor), Michael Hugo (Passpartout), Andrew Pollard (Phileas Fogg), Dennis Herdman (Inspector Fix) & Kirsten Foster (Miss Aouda) – Credit – Andrew Billington

Around The World In 80 Days at Cadogan Hall is produced by Kenny Wax Family Entertainment and if there ever was a show that was the epitome of family entertainment, it’s this as there’s something for everyone from 8 (and younger) to 80!

Originally performed at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under- Lyme in 2013 and then again in 2014, the show is now on a massive seven-month tour and Cadogan Hall is the fourth stop on a long and magical journey. Originally performed in the round, it’s been adapted for other types of theatres. One of my few criticisms is that Cadogan Hall where I’ve seen many concerts and is probably my favourite music venue in London, just isn’t quite right for this kind of show and would be better suited to other theatres on the tour such as The Rose in Kingston and Oxford Playhouse but that’s just a minor quibble.

The show itself is full of magic and inventiveness on a set consisting mainly of suitcases and trunks. It starts with a fussy, stuffy Phileas Fogg repeating each day in the manner of Groundhog Day until a manservant makes Fogg’s morning cup of tea too cold and gets fired, his place being taken by Passepartout. Part of Fogg’s day is playing cards with friends at The Reform Club where the bet that he can circumnavigate the world in 80 days is made and the adventure begins.

With a minimal set and a cast of eight, director Theresa Hawkins and designer Lis Evans have had to be inventive and they’ve certainly managed that in spades. There are 125 characters in eight countries, travelling in six trains and on five boats! The change of countries is implied simply i.e. baguettes and berets in France, the wearing of the fez in Suez etc. Travel is indicated by moving some suitcases around and swaying from side to side if on a boat or bouncing up and down if in a train. That may sound a little mundane but it isn’t and the audience believes that’s what they’re watching. The performers are helped by some excellent filmic background music from James Atherton and an exciting and clever sound design from James Earls-Davis.

There are also a number of fights which are either carried out in slow-motion or from a distance – a punch is thrown from one side of the stage and lands on the chin of a character on the other side. These are superbly choreographed and avoid any real violence – this is a family show after all! There is another bit of theatrical magic that occurs throughout the show. If any kind of document or money is passed from one character to another, like the punches, the object is “thrown” across the stage where it is magically caught by the receiving character – you really have to see it to appreciate how clever it is. There are other touches of ingenuity such as making a believable elephant out of a jacket – the whole show is full of inventive touches like this that give it that magical and wondrous quality.

Laura Eason who has adapted Jules Verne’s sprawling 1873 novel has stayed pretty true to the original story and the dialogue is witty and never trite. A number of the cast appeared in the 2013 and 2014 productions so they work as a well-oiled machine which they need to be as this is a very physical and energetic production. Andrew Pollard as perfect as the ramrod straight Fogg and Kirsten Foster is delightful as Mrs Aouda who falls in love with Fogg as they travel across the globe. Dennis Herdman as Inspector Fix makes him the pantomime villain that the kids love to boo and there’s a very funny running gag as he fails to pronounce Passepartout’s name properly. And talking of Passepartout, Michael Hugo gives the stand-out performance of the show. He’s rubber-limbed which he needs to be as he rolls about the floor – on one occasion being dragged along the stage by some young members of the audience. One of the highlights of the show was his interaction with the audience during the interval where he sings and plays the ukulele – this is a real talent.

If I had one other minor criticism, it’s that the first half at nearly eighty minutes is very long and I sensed some restlessness amongst some of the younger members of the audience. The second half is a lot shorter and better for it. And whilst a running time of two and a half hours (including an interval) is value for money, I felt a little pruning of the first half would make an already vibrant and energetic entertainment be even better than it is.

As I said at the top of this review, this is real family entertainment so if it’s coming to a theatre near you – and judging by the schedule it will be – then it’s a wonderful show to take the kids or grandkids for a real theatrical treat.

Review by Alan Fitter

AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS swaggers its way around across the globe, taking in continents, intrigue, love, a hot air balloon and even an elephant – all in the name of a bet. The ever-so-slightly stuffy Phileas Fogg wagers his life’s fortune that he can circumnavigate the globe in just eighty days with his wily travelling companion Lieutenant Passepartout. The complicating factor? Racing across the globe, they jump from train to boat to elephant and back again, pausing only to rescue a princess and to battle bandits, buffalo, winter storms and Scotland Yard. Will they make it back to London in time? Or will a world of trouble mean that the bet is lost? And having discovered the whole world, can Fogg find his own heart? An incredible tale of adventure underpinned by a childlike sense of wonder to be enjoyed by all the family. A cast of eight will transport you half way round the world and back again, via one hundred and eight characters, thirty-three scenes and a wonderfully funny feat of imagination. http://ift.tt/2sFDLpB

Cadogan Hall 5 Sloane Terrace, London, SW1X 9DQ Booking Until: 2nd September 2017

http://ift.tt/2wr29ue LondonTheatre1.com

#IFTTT #LondonTheatre1.com