Join us on a rip-roaring adventure in our world premiere musical adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure tale, Around the World in 80 Days this festive season, from Thu 16 November 2023 – Sat 6 January 2024.

Adapted for the stage by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse, the writers who penned our 2022 festive production A Christmas Carol and 2019’s Treasure Island, comes this sensational new musical stage production, directed by Kash Arshad (An Adventure, Octagon Theatre).

Casting has now been announced, which includes a company of 7 talented actors including: Polly Lister (One Man, Two Guvnors and Hound of the Baskervilles, Octagon Theatre Bolton) as the eccentric entrepreneur, Lady Phileas Fogg.

She will be joined by: Emma Fenney (A Christmas Carol, Antic Disposition, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Live Online Production, Octagon Theatre Bolton and Guildford Shakespeare Company) as Lady Eliza Sullivan; Rob Jackson (Peter Pan, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Brief Encounter, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre by the Lake) as Sir John Sullivan; Darren Kuppan (Let the Right One In, Royal Exchange Theatre, The Jungle Book, Grosvenor Open Air Theatre and Chester Storyhouse) as Khatri; Charlotte Linighan (The Booth Show and Spinach, The Edge Theatre) as Felicity Fanshaw; and Kai Spellman (Billie The Kid, Kyriacos & Company and Dominion Theatre, Ali and Dahlia, Pleasance Theatre) as Passepartout. They will also play various ensemble roles.

Completing the cast is Olivia Chandler who will be the company swing, marking her professional debut.

The creative team includes: Katie Scott (designer); Sam Sommerfield (musical director); Jennifer Kay (movement director); Jane Lalljee (lighting designer); Mark Melville (sound designer); Rebecca Applin (additional orchestrations and arrangements).

Kash Arshad, director of Around the World in 80 Days said: “I am delighted to be directing this wonderfully fun and exciting new production that promises to take audiences young and old on a spectacular adventure this festive season. So be sure to book your tickets and join us in Bolton for this unmissable globe-trotting voyage of wonder and discovery.”

Wealthy and eccentric entrepreneur Lady Phileas Fogg makes a bet that she can travel around the world in just 80 days...but surely it can’t be done? With her entire fortune on the line, Phileas sets off from London in a wild dash across the globe.

Travelling through fascinating and exotic lands, Phileas and friends get into all sorts of adventures. They jump from boats to trains, trek across Europe to Asia, celebrate Diwali in India and soar through the Americas battling storms and bandits. Will they make it back to London in time for Christmas or will the bet be lost?

Around the World in 80 Days comes to the Octagon from Thu 16 November 2023 – Sat 6 January 2024. Tickets start from £15 and are on-sale now.