Former Olivier Award nominee Sean Foley will direct a brand new version of Jules Verne’s family favourite Around The World In Eighty Days next summer.
Described as a “multi-media marvel”, Foley’s take on the classic will be staged in a pavilion near The O2 and feature such exotic sights as a hot air balloon that flies over the audience’s heads and a 20 foot high steam-powered elephant to bring the magic of Phileas Fogg’s epic journey to London.
Written in 1873, Verne’s story tells the adventure packed tale of one man’s bid to get around the world in 80 days. As he, along with his faithful servant Passepartout, races around the globe by boat, train, hot air balloon and elephant, the pair must battle mountains, jungles and oceans on their intrepid journey.
The production marks a very different undertaking for Foley, who has found huge success in recent years with two West End farces, The Ladykillers and current comedy hit Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense. Before heading to the pavilion to direct the adventure, the director’s work will be seen at the London Palladium, when Harry Hill and Steve Brown’s forthcoming musical I Can’t Sing! opens in March.
Around The World In Eighty Days follows in the footsteps of popular productions staged in theatrical tents including Peter Pan and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, with its unusual home featuring a 360 degree dome the size of 10 IMAX screens.