Around the World in 80 Days

As the heatwave hit Hampstead, our audience were transported on a Jules Verne-inspired adventure.

This year’s Lower School production was a spectacular stage adaptation of the classic French adventure novel, featuring a cast of pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 and a crew of older students. Both on stage and behind the scenes, over 70 pupils showed great commitment and creativity, delivering two wonderful performances in a mercifully well air-conditioned Waterlow Hall.

Over the course of an hour and a half, the cast travelled by many modes of transport: steamers, boats, ships, trains, Mr Mudge’s sledge and even an elephant! The audience enjoyed quirky choreographed dances on board ships, from a tea dance, with tea cups and saucers, to a romantic waltz. Expert fight sequences ensued as Mr Fogg’s valet Passepartout battled against guards, bandits and an inspector, culminating in a vibrant, colourful, and poignant piece, run entirely by the students. Well done to everyone involved.