Oh what fun this is – a production that encompasses storytelling, Victorian melodrama, silent movie footage and a lot of energetic running around along with rapid costume changes.

Toby Hulse's adaptation of Jules Verne's classic tale of mishaps, calamities and adventures is a Christmas cracker of family entertainment.

Directed by Lee Lydford – who previously brought both The Nutcracker and His Dark Materials to Bath – this production is pure joy, although it might appeal more to those older than the six-plus age group for whom it says it is suitable.

The tale of Phileas Fogg's journey in 80 days from London to Bombay to New York and back again by rail and by steamer, all the while pursued by Scotland Yard sleuth Fix of the Yard, is recreated via some highly imaginative staging.

There's a giant elephant whipped up from a few yards of unfurled silk, a thrilling fight aboard a train journey projected on to a back cloth, and a stormy Atlantic crossing that owes a lot to hilarious mime and glorious silliness.

As the journey progresses, the hands of a giant clock keep check of the time and a flap device marks the progress of the days with a clunk.

Best of all – especially for children, on whom the subtleties of cinematic tributes to silent movies may be lost - is the toy train that winds its way along a rail affixed to the gallery.

All heads were turned watching its progress, entranced – so why did it stop it half way, never to go again? Did it break down that night or did it detract from activities on stage? Whatever the reason, we felt robbed and the train should have a bigger part.

Nevertheless this is a fantastic production with just three actors who perform all the roles with equal skill and energy: Craig Edwards as Phileas Fogg, Gregor Henderson-Begg as Fix of the Yard and Jessica Pidsley, who makes a very competent professional theatrical debut as Fogg's manservant Passepartout.

The creativity of this production is a homage to Verne's earlier tribute (1873) to the Victorians' industrial and technological innovation and there is much in it to appeal to all ages on many levels.

The show runs until Saturday January 16. Contact the box office on 01225 448844 ot 823409 for times and tickets.

Jackie Chappell