Alexandre Dumas’ classic swashbuckling adventure is almost so obvious a candidate for being parodied/adapted that I wonder why I’ve not seen it done before. Dan Chadwick & Natasha Rasos’ original script throws Athos, Aramis, Porthos, D’Artagnan and many of the famous story’s familiar characters into Pantoland with wonderful results. The plot goeth thusly: King Louis has commissioned a diamond encrusted crown as the Queen’s Birthday present (It’s definitely not for him, honest). However two typically dastardly villains, Robbie Nicks and Milady are plotting to steal the crown and pin the crime on everyone’s favourite tavern owner (and panto dame) Madame Petit Pois. Can the Musketeers foil the scheme and save the day? The script is rapier sharp, pacy and fun with all the audience interaction and knockabout goings-on - including swordfights; this is the Musketeers - that you’d expect from a panto. There are also some moments of pathos and emotion which will probably go over the kids’ heads but that we so-called grown-ups sometimes appreciate. The set was simple, blacks with two revolves painted to represent our two main locations, the tavern and Louis’ Throne Room. It was simple but worked to let us know where we were and made for quick scene changes. Music was very good particularly helped by it being played live by two talented musicians/singers. The music was used to help cover those scene changes meaning the pace never dropped. Production numbers were well chosen and performed well. One of them, a rendition of “From Now On” built into the greatest showstopper - the audience stamping, clapping and singing along - that was easily the highlight of the evening. Costume was good with all costumes having the right look for the setting. I particularly liked King Louis’ regal white and gold suit. The performances of all the cast were very good indeed with a wonderful amount of energy that never dropped. This engaged the audience who were happily very responsive. Dan Chadwick (King Louis) made a good comically clueless king. Sinead Doherty (Constance) was lovely as the feisty and capable Principal Girl (who didn’t need D’Artagnan to save her). Gareth Smith (Robbie Nicks) was very good as the stereotypical panto villain. He combined well with Marit Schep (Milady) who portrayed a fabulous scheming femme fatale villainess. One of the show’s only crimes was that Milady wasn’t given more to do; her character had potential and was underused. Her backstory with Athos (pleasingly carried over from the source material) could have had more made of it. I also felt that perhaps the first Act ended a little weakly. I wasn’t quite sure that it was the interval until the announcement was made. However, all in all, it was a terrific show and a good night’s entertainment that the audience obviously enjoyed. To paraphrase that famous line: All for fun. And fun for all. Musketeers is on at the Lowry until Sunday.
