Around the World in 80 Days at Williamson Park

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Around The World In 80 Days

The Dukes, Lancaster
21 July-27 August 2023

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Around the World in 80 Days
Outdoor walkabout theatre for all ages at Williamson Park this summer. Image courtesy of The Dukes.
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It’s all about epic theatrical adventures for the whole family at Williamson Park this summer. Following last year’s sold-out performances of The Jungle Book, The Dukes’ award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre returns with Around the World in 80 Days.

An open-air performance of the highest order.

Promising an open-air performance of the highest order, the beautiful setting of Lancaster’s Williamson Park provides the perfect backdrop for this spectacular race around the world.

Williamson Park provides the perfect backdrop for this spectacular race around the world.

Pitted against a ticking clock, join Phileas Fogg on his whirlwind escapade to travel around the world in 80 days. Audiences can expect an action-packed journey of romance, trickery and high-jinks as they are introduced to all of the sights, sounds, smells, food and cultures of people around the world. While on his travels Fogg learns that travel not only broadens your mind, but can also change your life.

Adapted by writer Andrew Pollard and directed by Sarah Punshon (the team behind The Dukes’ outdoor production, The Jungle Book in 2022), this is a fresh and fun tale of high-energy storytelling and imagination. Keep up with the action as you follow the drama through the park; watch Phileas travel by train, boat, balloon and elephant to complete his awe-inspiring mission around the globe.

Around the World in 80 Days

With its stunning natural landscape and amazing sunsets, it’s a great place to arrive early for a pre-show picnic with the family.

For those who haven’t attended the walkabout theatre show before, you’re in for a treat. The audience travel around the enchanting parkland to follow the story, moving to different locations as each scene unfolds. Williamson Park overlooks the beautiful Morecambe Bay too; with its stunning natural landscape and amazing sunsets, it’s a great place to arrive early for a pre-show picnic with the family.

We’re thrilled that The Dukes has teamed up with Williamson Park once again to bring another fantastic park show to audiences for summer 2023. The Dukes has been entertaining generations of families with their summer promenade shows since 1987, attracting a total of more than half a million people.

An action-packed journey of romance, trickery and high-jinks.

Of this year’s production, The Dukes Director Karen O’Neill told us, “This year our ‘Play in the Park’ will be travelling the globe with Around the World in 80 Days. The Dukes will be transporting audiences around the world in Williamson Park from July to the end of August, with an amazing creative and technical team and electrifying cast all working together to make this incredible show happen. We are so pleased to be back in the Park working with the team there and Lancaster City Council on this annual family highlight. This is a journey not to be missed so grab your tickets and join us on a marvellous adventure.”

Accessibility

  • Audio Described

Where to go near Around the World in 80 Days at Williamson Park

Lancashire
Restaurant
The Herbarium

This plant-based cafe and bar serves delicious vegan breakfasts and coffees in the day, before transforming into a fantastic dinner venue in ‘Herb after Dark’.

The Grand Theatre in Lancaster
Lancaster
Theatre
The Grand Theatre, Lancaster

First opened in 1782, the theatre is now host to amateur drama, music and dance and professional touring companies. Tours of the historic building are available

Lancashire
Bar or Pub
The Stonewell Tap

The Stonewell Tap is a lively craft beer bar on Church Street, Lancaster, which boasts 16 craft beer taps and 4 real hand-pulled ale pumps.

Judge’s Lodgings, Lancaster, Lancashire
Lancaster
Museum
Judges’ Lodgings

The Judges’ Lodgings is the oldest town house in Lancaster, whose exhibitions and events bring the stories of the city to life.

Lancaster
Bar or Pub
Aquila Pizza

You can order online or over the phone to get your pizza fix. With regular deals on multiple pizzas and breads available for delivery and collection across Lancaster and Morecambe mid-week and weekends then keep your eyes on Aquila’s website and social channels.

The Music Room from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters Lancaster
Lancaster
Café or Coffee Shop
The Music Room

The Music Room from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters is a cafe situated on a Grade II listed Georgian pavilion with sun trap outside seating.

Lancaster
Library
Lancaster Library

Sitting in the heart of Lancaster is the Lancaster Library. When not serving its usual function, this beautiful space is occasionally transformed into an unlikely gig venue.

Lancaster Castle Lancashire
Lancaster
Tourist Attraction
Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle’s origins date back almost 1,000 years. This Grade 1 Listed Building occupies a city-centre hilltop location on the site of three successive Roman forts.

Lancaster
Event venue
The Storey Creative Industries Centre

Multi-purpose venue comprising an auditorium and lecture theatre, gallery space, café bar, Visitor Information Centre, hireable meeting rooms and conference/events spaces and private offices.

Castle View contemporary cottage, Lancaster
Lancaster
Hotel
Castle View

Right in the heart of Lancaster, this contemporary cottage with one bedroom and a double sofa bed, a huge copper bath and a wood burner is situated in a peaceful walled oasis.

An interior shot of the arches within Lancaster Priory
Lancaster Priory

Lancaster Priory Church is a vibrant, open and inclusive church at the heart of Lancaster. Music, education and community are at the heart of their mission.

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