Lucy Bailey directs Around the World in 80 Days at St James

A new stage production Around the World in 80 Days, directed by Lucy Bailey, will run at the St James Theatre this Christmas.

The venue is close to the Reform Club on Pall Mall, where Phileas Fogg's adventure in Jules Verne's classic 1873 novel begins.

Adapted by Laura Eason, a writer on House of Cards, the production will run from 26 November 2015 to 16 January 2016. Casting will be announced shortly.

Bailey, whose recent directing credits include Fortune's Fool at the Old Vic and Titus Andronicus at the Globe, said: "I remember Jules Verne's book as delightfully eccentric. This new stage version is off the wall, refreshingly unconventional, and celebrates our world – what could be better."

A cast of eight will play more than 100 characters in the "high-spirited, imagination-filled escapade for all the family".