An Autumn tour from the team at Black RAT Productions and Blackwood Miners’ is fast becoming an annual tradition, and one lots of us in last nights audience were really looking forward to. Following last years hit show The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, they are back with another Welsh take on Alexandre Dumas’ 17th Century Adventure, THE THREE MUSKETEERS.
We say Welsh but of course there’s very much a French, British and dare I even say ‘Donald Trump‘ American edge to this production.
We were at Blackwood Miners’ last night for the second performance before they head out on an extensive tour right across the country. Usually in these reviews I would tell you how fabulous the cast are (which they are), all about the set and music, which adds so much to the comedy. But this is a difficult review because there is a lot in this production which requires ‘no spoilers‘. There’s also audience interaction, with one unsuspecting member getting more than he bargained for.
So, let’s start with some reaction from the audience and also the show writer and director RICHARD TUNLEY…..
The Three Musketeers is an original comedy written and directed by Richard with music and original songs by DAI SMITH and ALLYSON SUMMERHAYES. Costume design is by ABIGAIL GOULD JENKINS, fight direction by KEVIN MCCURDY and lighting design by ROBIN BAINBRIDGE.
If you saw Sherlock Holmes last year I can assure you there is more of the same here but ramped up to another lever. The cast do not stop from the opening routine. They sing, dance, fight, inhabit multiple roles and never missed a beat along the way. Honestly, we were exhausted watching the show so heaven knows how they manage to sustain the comedic pace.
I also want to mention the sound, which is superb. The way the effects and music enhance what is happening on stage is excellent and brings a whole new element to this production.
The energetic and multi- talented cast of four include ZOE DAVIES as Athos, and OWEN PUGH as Aramis. They are joined by Black RAT newcomers OLIVIER SUBLET as Porthos and SEREN VICKERS as D’Artagnan. There are four players on stage but countless characters are cleverly dropped into the show thanks to some quick and hilarious costume changes. A lot of these are done in front of us and really ramp up the laughter to another level.
At one time there were the four actors on stage, engaged in a bloody (hilarious) fight scene, but cleverly, there was eight people battling it out to the bitter end. To tell you how they did it is one of those ‘spoiler‘ moments. Best thing is, get along and see the show.
I absolutely don’t want you to think it’s like a pantomime, despite the fact there’s so much audience participation, bearded men dressing as women and women assuming the traditional male roles. The irony of this is what makes it so hilarious, and something Zoe points out during a particularly funny ‘Donald Trump‘ section.
The production will take you on a riotous journey filled with sword fights, hijinks and mistaken identities and will tour Wales until 2nd November visiting 15 venues across the country. They do have another show at Blackwood Miners this evening.
You can get more details on the show HERE along with links to the venues Box Office’s to book tickets.
The production has an age suitability of 11+
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Cardiff – 3rd – 5th October
Memo Arts Centre, Barry – 8th October
Theatr Y Parc a’r Dâr, Treorci / Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy – 9th October
Pontardawe Arts Centre, Pontardawe – 10th October
Borough Theatre-Abergavenny – 14th October
The Riverfront, Newport -15th October
Theatr Y Colisëwm, Aberdâr / Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare – 17th October
Mwldan, Cardigan – 19th October
The Met Abertillery – 22nd October
The Lyric, Carmarthen – 23rd October
Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon – 29th October
Canolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth – 30th October
The Hafren Theatre Newtown – 1st November
Ffwrnes, Llanelli – 2nd November
