Stampeding elephants, raging typhoons and runaway trains come to Geelong in the original amazing race Around the World in 80 Days.
Producer Helen Ellis said she was delighted to produce an Australian adaptation of the classic tale in a “completely unexpected way”.
“Audiences are going to be taken on an extraordinary trip around the globe without ever leaving Geelong.”
The play features three accomplished on-screen actors Ian Stenlake, Pia Miranda and Grant Piro, playing 39 different characters as they traverse seven continents.
Miranda is best known for her lead role in Looking for Alibrandi, which won Best Film at the Australian Film Institute Awards in 2000.
She has acted in a number of drama series such as Neighbours as well as other Australian and American films since.
Stenlake played roles in Australian dramas Sea Patrol and Stingers and even appeared as a waiter in The Godfather III.
Piro also worked on Sea Patrol and Stingers and had roles in a score of Australian dramas including Sea Change, Blue Heelers and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries in 2015.
The play follows fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant Passepartout as they race to win a wager by circling the globe in 80 days.
Fogg travels the world with a band of quirky adventurers while a relentless Scotland Yard detective snaps at his heels.
At story includes adventures across India, China, Japan and America, beating the clock and winning the bet.
The production opens on 14 September for five performances in Geelong Performing Arts Centre’s Drama Theatre as part of its 2016 Deakin University Theatre Season.