TAKE a trip around the world in 80 days with the Playhouse’s youth theatre Stage ’65 next week.

The production of Around the World in 80 Days has been adapted by Phil Willmott from the classic novel by Jules Verne and is being performed on the main house stage from Monday to Saturday.

Around the World in 80 Days is the culmination of year-long celebrations for the 45th anniversary of Stage '65, features a cast of 60 young people aged between eight and 20 and is directed by the youth theatre director, Victoria Briggs.

The story centres on perfect English gentleman, Phileas Fogg, and his enthusiastic French manservant, Passepartout, who take a bet that they can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. Lots of adventures come their way including chance encounters with Jesse James and a dancing elephant.

Poppy Abbatt is Passepartout’s girlfriend who works in the Moulin Rouge as a dancer. “There is lots of improvisation such as using umbrellas as guns and an elephant made out of suitcases.” Poppy also gets to dance the can can and sing a song in French.

Richard Bennett plays Sherlock Holmes, a character not in the original book but a useful theatrical device in this adaptation. “Having characters such as Sherlock Holmes, Queen Victoria and Disraeli in the production means they can update the audience as to what is going on, a bit like a narrator. I am basing my Sherlock on three or four actors who have played the role.”

Richard, who is rather tall, is playing alongside a very short Dr Watson: “We are making the most of our height,” he said. “There are comedy moments.”

Oliver Davies plays a newspaper reporter. “This is my first proper acting role on the main stage,” he said. “My character sets up the story and I go round asking people things.”

Tegan Eldridge plays several characters, including a concierge in the Bombay Hilton. “I have to stand very still while being yelled at, it is quite difficult,”

she says. One of Tegan’s many roles is to play the piano at the start of Act 2, while Richard plays the violin.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01722 320333.