The highly skilled cast of the English Drama Society of Royal College staged it’s first public production after a lapse of five years, bringing to life Jules Verne’s much loved classic: ‘Around the World in 80 days’ on the 10th, 11th and 12th of August at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. The cast of 45 ranging from the ages of 13 to 20 had the rare privilege of performing to a packed Wendt on three days which included a full house on the final day which was brought about as a result of highly positive reviews of the performances on the first two days.

The dream of executing a professional-level full length production would have not been possible without the support of the Old Royalists’ Association of Dramatists (ORAD) lead by the eminent Thushara Hettihamu, the Director and the mastermind  behind the venture. Mr. Hettihamu has directed a number of theatrical marvels presented by Royal over the past few years which included ‘The Tempest’ which brought the Shakespeare Memorial Trophy back to Royal College in 2013.

Set in the late 1800s, the story of ‘Around the World…’ followed the majestic, meticulous and fabulously wealthy Mr. Phileas Fogg as he embarked on a journey to circumnavigate the globe in the span of 80 days with his loyal French valet Jean Passepartout while being closely followed by the tenacious Inspector Fix, sent by Scotland Yard  to bring in the thief of the Bank of England. Throughout their route They met a number of individuals from various nationalities, some of them who played a vital role in determining whether or not they return to London in time. This included the Indian princess, Kamana Aouda who was rescued by the party just in time before she was sacrificed at the funeral pyre of her husband.

The skilful acting and characterization of the young Royalists blended together with carefully crafted props, set pieces and costumes combined with lighting and music brought out a marvellous spectacle that rivals similar productions by professional theatre companies and actors.

The Cast

Imaadh Dole (Cast Leader), Rajinda Gunasekera, Hidaayath Hazeer, Asel Karunasingha, Manasir Jisam, Hasanga Liyanagunewardena, Naveed Hashim, Mayan Haputantri, Randika Abesuriya.

Dylan Wijesuriya, Mindula Suriyabandara, Pravin Jayasundere, Nissanka Dakshitha, Aaqil Yoosuf, Abdul Malik, Vedeha Aluwihare.

Madara Thalduwa, Vinsara Jayalath, Samal Agalawatta, Mihindu Samarasinghe, Dulana Weligepolage, Yashanka De Zoysa, Nipun Kannangara, Kalinda Abeyanayake, Movin Panapitiya, Haathim Munas.

Suneragiri Liyanage.

Kushel Mudalige, Jithnuka Samaraweera, Aabid Ismail, Vishmika Rathnayake, Ruchith Ranasinghe, Abishek Herath.

 Rivi Wijesekera, Mohinudeen Hazmi, Nizamudeen Hazmi, Thinula Tennakone, Kaviru Methnuka, Janul De Silva, Kenula Fernando, Teran Senevirathna, Ishva Ranasinghe, Micheal Wijewardena, Samdamal Ferdinandez.

Nethin Panapitiya.