The play Around the World in 80 Days is an epic, funny, madcap adaptation of the classic novel by Jules Verne. The story opens on Tuesday, October 1. 1872 ...at 11.57pm … and 30 seconds … with a sinister robbery taking place. Big Ben chimes midnight and within minutes the central London bank is 40,000 pounds poorer.

We never see the face of the robber. But they are fanatical about time and have a slight cough. Perhaps it is a complete coincidence our hero, honest-looking, well-turned out with good teeth, Phileas Fogg has a slight cough and is constantly checking his watch!

Perhaps it is also a coincidence he unexpectedly places a wager of 20,000 pounds with fellow members of a London gentleman’s club that he can travel the world in a mere 80 days, and he suddenly leaves the country! Fogg goes forth on his adventure accompanied by his newly acquired valet, Mr Passepartout.

Pursued by Scotland Yard through Europe, Africa, Australia, it is race to stay ahead of the law, stay on schedule and to race to a climatic ending that...well you’ll have the see the show to see what happens then!

The three excellent cast members are Michael Lindner, Suzie Molloy, and Nat Jobe. Lindner is stuck mostly in the underwritten role of Fogg, but is suitably hilarious when he has the chance to break out in character vignettes. I know Suzie Molloy as a very glamorous dancer and music theatre actress, so it was a delight to see her play a range of male characters, complete with cockney (French) accent.

But the star of the night (after all he has multiple roles) is the wonderfully physical Nat Jobe. He inhabits Fix like a second skin but is hysterically funny as the Indian Princess and in other cameo roles.

Around the World in 80 Minutes will play on the Civic Theatre’s stage on Saturday, September 22 at 7.30pm, tickets are available online at www.civictheatre.com.au or by contacting the Box Office on 6926 9688.

The other global excursion that you’re invited to attend is two performances with Australian Army Band Kapooka on Wednesday, September 12. Conducted by Major Lindsay Mee, the band will take you Around the World in 80 Minutes as they present two specially themed concerts celebrating music from a variety of countries.

Settle into your seat for a musical journey, it will be the ultimate in budget travel, close your eyes and experience a multitude of different cultures. These are free concerts, however tickets are required. To secure your seats to see either Music at Midday at noon or Music in the Evening at 6pm jump online to www.civictheatre.com.au or contact 6926 9688.