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Shedlight Stories brings their fast-paced, one-woman kids' show to VAULT Festival to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Jules Verne's novel, 'Around the World in 80 Days', telling the story of the real-life woman (and her monkey) who undertook the same globetrotting race.

The year is 1889 and intrepid journalist Nellie Bly is about to embark on her biggest adventure yet: racing around the world to beat Jules Vernes famous fictional hero, Phileas Fogg. In a journey that captures the imagination of the world, she traverses continents, faces fierce ocean storms, and even adopts a monkey, but can she make it back to New York in less that 80 days?

'Around the World with Nellie Bly' is a fast paced and imaginative one-woman (/one-monkey) show that uses Blys own account to bring to life this incredible, little-known true story of a pioneering woman in the 150th anniversary year of the book that inspired her.

Using puppetry, audience interaction, and a host of colourful characters 'Around the World with Nellie Bly' aims to inspire young audiences with the story of this courageous and driven young woman; show them the importance of self-reliance and self-belief in the face of adversity; and prove that adventure stories arent just for boys.

Theatre company Shedlight Stories is passionate about bringing to light real stories from history that often get overlooked, especially those accomplishments of women.

Writer and performer of the piece, Katie Overstall reflects on why Phileas Fogg's story is so well known and Nellie Bly's is not: "I suppose its hard to compete with an already famous author like Jules Verne, and history does have a tendency to overlook women"

Nell Thomas, Artistic Director of Shedlight and director of the show adds: "This year marks 150 years since the publication of the novel 'Around the World in 80 Days', and you just have to look at how many adaptations of the story there have been in that time to see that there is something about the story that people love. I dont think they have been given the opportunity to learn that a woman actually attempted this feat in real life. I hope that our show goes a little way towards people recognising that this didnt just happen in fiction."

'Around the World with Nellie Bly' plays at VAULT Festival, London on Saturday 28th / Sunday 29th January & Saturday 4th / Sunday 5th February at 15:10.

It is suitable for ages 6+.

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Praise for 'Around the World with Nellie Bly':

There's a lot to like about this consistently engaging show[Katie Overstall] gives it a winning energy.

The Scotsman

Original music and puppets that delighted the audienceOverstalls performance is pitch perfectEvery character and moment is sharply drawn and clear, the puppets and props beautifully made and add variety to the story telling

FringeReview

The kids loved itand so did the adults! Chapter Z Magazine

The show debuted at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2022 where it was one of ThreeWeeks Edinburghs Three To Watch: Family Shows and a FringeReview Highly recommended show.