If you fancy being taken on a whirlwind tour back to the 18th Century through France, Italy, China, America, and around the globe, then the latest show at the Theatre Royal Winchester is a must-see. 

The director, Juliet Foster has taken a new perspective of the beloved story, Around the World in 80 Days, and created something with the nostalgic charm of the classic 1968 film along with the feel and humour of our modern world.

The show has something for everyone - topical and mature jokes for the more adult audience members, physical humour for the children, and nostalgia for all ages.

The play has the gorgeous set design of The Greatest Showman, the feel of Horrible Histories and the animated movements of classic Charlie Chaplin films.

With the book being written 150 years ago, there are some parts that may be seen as inappropriate by today’s standards, however, these are not ignored or swept under the carpet, they are directly addressed and therefore makes for an incredible adaptation of the book.

The performance by Tilted Wig Productions was breathtaking. They used their bodies and clothing as props, and any props they did use seemed to be magically conjured up from nowhere.

With very few cast members, they held an incredible presence on stage. You never felt as though you were watching only five people.

Even with a smaller audience than expected they all held a large presence with their personalities and continued to break the fourth wall by interacting with the audience members, consequentially creating a safe environment for all generations.

This retelling of the classic novel was more than just that, it takes you along Nellie Bly’s journey as she tries to turn Jules Verne’s fictional story into her reality and completed her journey around the globe in just 72 days; telling a story few have heard before. 

The story is often narrated by Nellie Bly; an American journalist who describes her journey in such a way that she paints word pictures for the audience of her eye-opening experiences in China, her supported boat trip to America, and finally her celebrated return.

Not only do you get transported through time and taken around the world, but you also get treated to acrobatics, circus acts, new cultures, and dancing, making this show an absolute must-see. 

The show is on at the Theatre Royal Winchester until Saturday, May 13. Tickets start from £15 from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/