AN award-winning theatre company is taking a whistle-stop tour around the world in its stage version of a classic Victorian adventure.

Kingsley Players’ high-spirit rendering of the Jules Verne classic, Around the World in 80 Days, is coming to the village’s theatre on Wednesday, October 23, until Saturday, October 26.

Adapted by Laura Eason, the story follows fabulously wealthy Victorian gentleman, Phileas Fogg, who bets his entire fortune on whether he can circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days.

Along with his hapless yet shrewd manservant, Passepartout, he sets out on a series of dazzling escapades which takes him from the misty streets of London, along the Suez Canal, to India, Hong Kong, Japan, and the American Wild West.

A cast of ten talented, experienced actors take on the roles of more than 50 characters, as Fogg and his party race against the clock, jumping on and off a dizzying succession of trains, steamships, wind-propelled sleighs – and even an elephant.

Director, Lynn Pegler, said: “I first saw this stage version of Verne’s classic story at Manchester’s Royal Exchange nine years ago – and it was one of the best theatre productions I’ve ever seen.

“I am delighted now to have the chance to adapt it for our local stage and sprinkle some of that magic dust in Kingsley, helped by a wonderful, talented team both on and off stage.

“For this October production, we will also be trialling a new Saturday afternoon matinee performance slot, in addition to the four evening shows.

"As the winter nights draw in, this will hopefully provide extra choice for our audiences and make life easier for people who prefer to attend in daylight.”

Evening shows begin at 7.30pm, and the Saturday matinee show starts at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £11, with £7 tickets available for students/children. These can be booked online, or by ringing the box office on 07724 892154.