A trip to watch Bolton School’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” would have saved you a holiday this Christmas season. A reimagining of the Jules Verne classic took audience members on the ultimate adventure around the globe, from the comfort of their seat in the Boys’ Division Great Hall!
The play follows Phileas Fogg, played by Billy Burrows (BD-13), who embarks upon an exhilarating and daunting adventure to travel around the globe in just 80 days. The director, Miss Lord, Foundation Director of Creative Learning, staged ‘in the round’ and transformed the Great Hall into a large compass where the audience were immersed in the action.
Miss Lord commented that the casting process is undergone with the consideration of experience (previous involvement in school productions), talent, passion, and age. The lead roles were mainly allocated to committed year 13 students who were taking part in their last school play.
The fact that I was spoilt with a front row seat enhanced the effect of immersive theatre just that bit more. The way the cast came together to create shapes and movements to represent certain modes of transportation, such as a train or a sledge, was certainly a clever way to make the most of the resources in the hall. And when the cast did create a steam train by moving (rather quickly!) in a circle travelling round and round the compass, the movement of air created an… air of excitement!
The use of entrances and exits also stood out to me. The seating was segmented into four areas, giving the cast four spaces from which to enter and exit; this kept the fast-moving play in action.
However, sitting at the front at the end of the row, did come with some risks which had me on edge at times; I was certain a piece of prop or a sprinting Jean Passepartout would knock me to the ground! Saying this, the closeness of the audience and the students did have its benefits. Such as when the cast broke the fourth wall to interact with the audience by passing out posters or sharing questionable looks, such as raised eyebrows. The audience around me seemed amused and completely comfortable to exchange these moments with the students.
Before the production, I was able to visit a rehearsal where everyone began to work on their accents. I felt this visit allowed me to enjoy the play that bit more as I was aware of the hard work, motivation and creative minds that worked together to please their abundance of audience members.
I also had the opportunity to speak to some students directly to find out about their experiences and thoughts behind being a part of the play. Thomas Sibley, a year 9 student, explained how working with the older students came with its advantages as all were welcoming and supportive when working on the play. These opportunities aren’t common around school, allowing relationships to be created between year groups.
An interval halfway through the play allowed the themes found in “Around the World in 80 Days” to flow into the dining area of the Riley Centre. Globes, suitcases, and posters decorated the area which was overflowing with champagne and a variety of delightful cakes.
After this short break, we were thrown back into the ongoing adventures of Phileas and his acquaintances. All cast members involved did a wonderful job of bringing this classic story to life.
A moment shared once the production had ended with the older cast members and Miss Lord was heartwarming. They showed their appreciation for all of Miss Lord’s support and the opportunities she had offered throughout their school lives for their creative interests. This was a treat which came with seeing the play on its final night.
Although the atmosphere and magic created in the Boys’ Division Hall has been and gone, that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience this story. Bolton Octagon is currently showing “Around the World in 80 Days” up until the 6th of January, 2024. The cast members, who were treated to visiting the Octagon, would certainly recommended buying tickets soon.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to see the next Bolton School play, “Little Shop of Horrors”, which will run in GD Theatre 20th – 22nd March, 2024.
By Tilly Watkinson