A TROUPE of just 11 actors taking on some 50 roles would seem a task as daunting as Phileas Fogg's wager in Around the World in 80 Days.

But it was ably realised by the Apollo Theatre, which staged the Jules Verne Classic at the Newport venue last week (July 12-20). 

Directed by Amy and Dan Burns, the play by Laura Eason featured Jason Harris as the wealthy Englishman Fogg, assisted in the principal roles by Peter Stockman as Passepartout, Ruby Beaman as Mrs Aouda and Aaron Townsend as Inspector Fix.

The seven remaining actors took on a variety of roles, each playing to their strengths. 

Jason was brilliant as an uptight Englishman, intent on winning his wager and with no interest in the world around him.

Word perfect and completely in character he made a good foil for Peter's humorous valet.

A show stalwart, Peter really lit up the stage whenever he appeared and was well cast. Most of the laughs came from his antics and he put an energy and life into the role that really paid off.

Aaron, unbelievably, was in his first production but showed a confidence on stage that should take him far.

Ruby made a charming travelling companion, escaping suttee on the funeral pyre for a fate maybe worse; marrying Fogg! 

Great use was made of back projection in this play and it worked well, conveying the many countries the small band passed through. 

My favourite parts were the elephant (yes, there was one), the opium den (the excellent Philip Fryer seemed quite at home!) and a fight scene to a tune by Faithless.

The Reform Club was clever with card tables round the actors' necks: Susan Simpson, Carol Death and Mark Duffus were particularly good here and throughout.

Other roles in the show were well played by Dave Talbot, Di Marsh and Vicki Cook.

The costumes were very good and a shout out to whoever put the informative programme together.

If I have any criticism, it was a tad overlong and could have done with some judicious pruning of the dance routines, although the line dancing sequence was excellent.

It was obvious a lot of work had gone into this production and bringing such a vast panoply to life in such a small space deserves praise.

The Apollo's next production is a re-run of Alan Ayckbourn's Bedroom Farce on August 14 and 21, given a positive review by the County Press when it first hit the stage.