Raring2go! review of The Three Musketeers outdoor theatre

Raring2go! review of The Three Musketeers outdoor theatre, at The Commandery, Worcester.

We were excited to head to The Commandery Gardens to see The Worcester Repertory’s performance of The Three Musketeers, adapted by Paul Milton and directed by Owen Harper. We’ve been to outdoor theatre productions from the Worcester Repertory Company before, so we eagerly packed our picnics and grabbed our garden chairs, knowing we were in for a treat – and we were right! This production exceeded our expectations, with its beautiful setting, brilliant cast, humour, and great writing – we thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Loved by millions since it was first written in 1844 (thank you Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Marquet), Paul Milton’s brilliantly acted adaptation of The Three Musketeers for the outdoor stage had the whole audience joining in and laughing along.  We didn’t want it to end – this is a true gem not to be missed.

The cast was faultless – quite the feat when playing several characters.  Learning lines and actions for up to 4 characters, and delivering them so naturally, can’t possibly be as easy as they made it seem.  Counting them up, 14 characters were brilliantly played by just 5 actors (along with a few hobby horses), with sword-fighting action you would expect from true Musketeers. Their comic timing and interaction with the picnicking audience was genius – we’ve never had so much fun at a theatre production before. 

The Cast

I can’t say which cast member we enjoyed most.  They were all brilliant, very lively, funny, and incredibly entertaining.  Hollie Christian-Brookes plays D’Artagnan and Constance. Charlie Ryan plays Porthos, King Louis, Monsieur de Treville, and John Felton. Nathan Blyth plays Aramis, Comte de Rochefort, Duke of Buckingham, and Monsieur Bonacieux. Rob Holman plays Athos and Cardinal Richelieu. Alexandra Whitworth plays Lady de Winter and Queen Anne.

While some of the humour in the play is aimed at adults, the production would no doubt appeal to children too, with lots of audience participation, fun,and physical comedy for them to enjoy. Outdoor theatre is so relaxed, so it’s perfect for families – and The Commandery is the ideal setting. Bringing along a picnic makes it an affordable treat, and you can pack all the goodies you and the children prefer. Some of the most seasoned audience members around us brought along picnic tables and cool boxes full of a huge array of tasty treats. And yes, there was plenty of wine enjoyed by some of us!!

Tips:

• Buying a flexi ticket ensures you can go on a day which suits you, and avoid the wettest days too.  Buy your ticket and turn up for a show which suits you.  Click here for tickets.
• Bring a picnic.  Fill it with your favourite foods (and drink) – it’s become the tradition to spot the Victoria sponge!
• Take some cash/card. There are a few drinks and snacks you can buy – and they run a raffle too.
• Chairs. There are garden chairs available, loaned on a first come first served.  Get there early if you aren’t bringing your own.
• Bring a blanket, or two. Great to spread out on, and to wrap up in during the evening performance if the temperature dips.
• Umbrella – we always take one just in case, for rain or hot sun. There are a few at The Commandery for people to borrow, but its a limited number.
• Pack sun screen in case its warm.
• Have loads of fun, and send us your review!

The Three Musketeers is playing at the Commandery in Worcester until Sunday 21st July, with afternoon and evening performances.  Please see the Worcester Theatres website for details.