'Every story has a beginning' as Milady (Charlotte Price) openly states, and what a beginning it was. From the moment you walked through the auditorium doors, you were hit with the atmosphere of a mystical kingdom, being drawn into a new world as you walk across the stage floor, shimmering with waves reminiscent of the Northern Lights.
With the royal staircase leading up to the palace doors, the set is elaborate and enticing, yet surprisingly minimal. There is the grandeur of the castle entrance, yet few props aside from the expected swords and items that members of the cast carry on with them for each scene, resulting in a satisfying flow as the fluid scene changes keep the audience engaged throughout. The switches in location are wonderfully portrayed by just slight lighting modifications and the rest of the work is done entirely through the actors' movements and body language, which completely delivers.
The Three Musketeers — adapted and directed for the New Vic by Theresa Heskins — is just the swashbuckling, action-packed performance you would expect it to be. Filled with incredible fight scenes and heart-racing stage combat, excitement was high within the auditorium as every member of the audience seemed enthralled throughout.
Chucked straight into the middle of the story from the beginning, the performance had me hooked right from the start, but it was all so well-explained and the characters were introduced so cleverly that it was clear to follow what was going on. This show felt very much like bringing film onto the stage, as the astoundingly realistic flashbacks and slow motions felt just like you were rewinding a scene on TV, and it was amazing to witness something so unusual, and yet in such a brilliant way, come to life live in front of my eyes.
There was great acting by the entire cast and everyone appeared so dedicated to their roles that it's impossible to pick a standout performer. However, special mention must go to Lemar Moller for his portrayal of d'Artagnan as his accent was so good and consistent throughout, fitting his character perfectly, alongside the hilarious improvisation skills of Gareth Cassidy who created some big laughs doing what he does best through audience participation.
Comedy was frequent all the way through the show and it exactly hit the mark, with lots of varying jokes and laughs for every age group to enjoy. There was a wide span of ages present, from hearing the cries of a young baby all the way up to more senior grandparents, all enjoying the show together which was lovely to see. It will definitely make a wonderful family trip out to make your Christmas season even more special.
On the other hand, the almost constant music in the background of the play got a little too much at times, and I felt it lost its impact through overuse. Also, a couple of scenes dragged on a little too long in places and I began to feel a bit restless, such as the night watch scene in act one, however there was plenty of entertainment to be found at various points in the evening.
The costumes in the ball scene were fantastic, and the Queen's ballgown was absolutely breath-taking, reminding me of when I watched the 2015 live action Cinderella for the first time and laid eyes on her gorgeous blue gown.
When all the gold Christmas lights lit up the auditorium it gave the show a special festive feel, really getting me in the mood for the Christmas season. This is definitely my favourite Christmas show that I've seen at the New Vic Theatre for many years, and I felt that everyone played their part in bringing it all together nicely and creating a wonderful opportunity for an evening's escapism for the whole family; as the dynamic quartet say – 'all for one, and one for all'. Five stars from me.
I watched this performance on the 23rd November 2024. The Three Musketeers is running at the New Vic Theatre until 25th January 2025. Tickets for the show can be bought here.
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