The Barn Theatre, Cirenceste – until 4 January 2025
Reviewed by Josie Aburrow Smith and Bea Aburrow Smith (aged 12)
4****
We are in France in the mid 17th Century. D’Artagnan (played by George Shuter) wants to travel to Paris to join the recently disbanded Three Musketeers group and avenge his father. His mother is not so sure but soon allows him to as he can see his oldest friend, the beautiful Conny (played by Hayley Canham). D’Artagnan arrives in Paris and meets Conny and is soon plunged into an adventure along with Athos (AJ Jenkins), Porthos (Marc Serratosa) and Aramis (Georgia Leila Stoller) and the femme fetale Milady (Ella Rose Thomas). Together they must preserve the honour of the Queen, avert a war with England and defeat his father’s arch enemy, the evil Cardinal Richelieu (Sam Denia).
Throughout the whole performance some of the actors play different characters which they switch between slickly. They are all incredibly talented as they can all act, sing and play multiple instruments. At some points there are 2 on one single instrument. The pink piano on the stage is central to the production and cleverly used.
The Three Musketeers: Trois is written by Alan Pollock. It is a reimagined version of classic story The Three Musketeerss by Alexandre Dumas. This new version although still set in 17th century has walkie talkies and a rockband. The set and costume are designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. The set is all black and white line drawings whilst the costumes are full of bright colour and flamboyance.
12 year old Bea says: It’s really interesting to see people on the stage who all act, sing and play musical instruments as you don’t often see this. Sam Denia who plays Richelieu, Rochefort and Buckingham has really funny facial expressions. Together this makes this production really fun. People my age should definitely go and see it. I laughed a lot too.
This musical adventure is full of talented musicians, lots of action and some real laugh out loud moments with a touch of panto. The Barn Theatre has one again produced a great Christmas production.