ALTRINCHAM Garrick’s production of Around the World in 80 days will cheer you up.

The play takes the audience on a whirlwind tour with Phileas Fogg (the perfect gentleman) and his valet Passepartout, a one-time circus performer and goat herder. They make the speedy round the world trip for a bet and thus save Fogg’s reputation and fortune.

On the way they are hampered by Scotland Yard’s “finest” Inspector Fix. They are

distracted by the arrival of a beautiful widow, Mrs Aouda, whom they rescue from certain death.

Laura Eason’s version of Jules Verne’s book is fun and fast-paced and requiring ingenuity and imagination from both the actors and the audience.

One moment we are in a jungle, the next in a temple.

Director Celia Bonner said: “Keeping the idea of flexible staging and minimal scene-changes has been quite a challenge."

It’s a very complex play because the action moves quickly through so many places so, to avoid big scene changes, we have created trains by using “luggage” made by our workshop, rails for ships- and as for the elephant - well that’s a secret.”

Celia said that Phileas Fogg would be played by Jamie Sloan who is proving to be the perfect English Gentleman, eventually showing his softer side.

She directed Tim Cooper who is Passepartout in the same production at Wilmslow Green Room. “He has tremendous physical talents which make him ideal for a former circus performer,” said Celia.

“The pace never flags,” she said.

* Around the world in 80 days runs at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse from September 24 – 29. For tickets, telephone 0161 928 1677.