Lyndhurst Drama & Musical Society 
Vernon Theatre, Lyndhurst 
Darren Funnell 
24 October 2024
Three Musketeers, currently being performed by Lyndhurst Drama & Musical society, is a lot of fun. A sort of Horrible Histories adventure mashed together with slapstick routines, absurd laugh-out-loud moments and fast-paced silliness that is deceptively off-the-cuff and free-wheeling. Tonally, it feels like a panto without the panto tropes, but as an experience, James Barry’s play is much smarter, deceptively close to the source material and provides a succession of hilarious set pieces, word play, and good clean family fun.
The plot involves the Three Musketeers trying to prevent Cardinal Richelieu/Milady de Winter from getting the ‘Star of France’. Whomever wears the star on the balcony of the French palace once a year becomes the rightful ruler of France. But which Musketeer has the Star in their safekeeping? What swordplay lengths will the villains go to get it? I’d love to be able to tell which of Athos, Porthos or Aramis did have the Star, but I was still laughing about the ‘invisible sword’ sequence and admiring the deftness of multiple dizzying costume changes, whilst thinking “Is it Christmas yet?”.
Now, James Barry’s sparkling script is one thing, but, as you will have guessed, this is a three-hander where the actors play multiple parts in quick succession, whilst managing rapid physical and verbal comedic beats that never let up. This type of show has all the potential to pratfall on its face from the get-go in the wrong hands. In the right hands – Di Buck (Aramis), Richard Barnett (Porthos) and Stevie Parker (Athos) – it was a joy. To comment on some of the brilliant set pieces these three rib-achingly achieve would rather spoil the fun. Suffice to say, Three Musketeers plays to their strengths and talents, and they make the show what it is – a success.
The ‘Musketeers’ also directed and produced the show. Hats off to them (with suitable French flourish). I really liked the decision to stage it in the slightly low-rent panto style. All painted brick partition, safety pin tabards and Lidl shopping bags. It’s quite hard to stick to this aesthetic but it was the right thing to do to set the tone and the openness of the performance. The production team all worked their magic from set painting (Sarah Short), Hair and Make-up (Jo Rainforth), Sound and Lighting (Deirdre and Andy Bennet) and continuity (Val Smart).
Lyndhurst is a great venue. From front of house to the bar there is a personable, accepting warmth and welcoming approach that is important in setting the tone for the audience. They are great. In the programme, Lyndhurst Drama are looking for new members and I think seeing this show will be a great jumping on point if you have wanted to get a feel for the society and get involved.
So, then, Three Musketeers is a rollicking, laugh-out-loud adventure brimming with swashbuckling antics, daring thrills, and a joyous, carefree spirit. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and does what all theatre should – bring people together.
Performances continue Friday 25 October and there is a matinee for the family, and a family discount, on Saturday 26 October. Do go, I guarantee it will improve your day. Although, like me, you may be hankering for a Brie baguette by the end of it…. ravissante!
[Editorial: Tickets available via phone (023 8029 2531) or online.]
