Cirencester’s gem of a theatre goes from strength to strength. While most provincial theatres are happy to stick with the tried and tested family pantomimes like Aladdin, Puss In Boots, Cinderella etc, The Barn Theatre rightly insists on breaking new ground. Last year, they produced the impressive adaptation of Treasure Island, and this year, they have returned to further mine the literary canon with Alan Pollock’s rip-roaring version of the Alexandre Dumas original novel.
The performance is delivered with brio by a cast of seven among whom there are no weak links. The whole cast moves seamlessly between their acting and singing roles, led by ringmaster Sam Denia, who, on his fourth stint at the Barn, commands the stage with confidence and panache. Such is the lead provided by Denia that even newcomers like George Shuter as D’Artagnan are provided with a secure framework in which they can demonstrate their talents with confidence.
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s set designs transform the tiny Barn stage into soaring, vaulted, baroque arches framing Paris and London streetscapes, and his typically outrageous costumes give the cast licence to ‘camp up’ their performances accordingly. Just as the critics were sharpening their pencils to draw attention to the anachronistic depiction of the Eiffel Tower, Milady conducted a conversation with Richelieu via walkie-talkie. Brilliant!
Denia moves effortlessly between a sinister portrayal of Cardinal Richelieu and his ‘screaming queen’ depiction of the Duke of Buckingham, while the returning Georgia Leila Stoller makes the shifts easily between her roles as Aramis, percussionist and the French Queen channelling her inner Victoria Wood with aplomb. Hayley Canham (Conny), A J Jenks (Athos), Marc Serratosa (Porthos) and Ella Rose Thomas (Milady / Mother) complete the multitalented cast.
The whole show is thrillingly underpinned by the vivid orchestration and lyrics of Lee Freeman and Mark Anderson, from the fine opening song "L’ Escargot" to the dynamic and rousing concluding number "All For Love". Bryan Hodgson (director) and Iwan Lewis (Artistic Director) deserve congratulation for pulling the whole show together so effectively that by the final number the audience were onto their feet demonstrating their enthusiasm for the evening’s entertainment.
The Three Musketeers is not a conventional pantomime in the sense that there are no "oh yes he is, oh no he isn’t" moments, much less the "behind you!" exclamations of overexcited children, but it is undoubtedly a highly engaging and entertaining show for adults and older children alike. If you are within striking distance of the Cotswolds this festive season and you’re looking for a family trip out, you could do far worse than make a beeline for the Barn Theatre.