The Three Musketeers

This whimsical, light-hearted version of Dumas’ classic tale is brought charmingly to life by Alys Torrance and Judith Faultless.

Most of its humour derives from the jokey competitiveness between the two as they argue over who gets the lead roles and set each other little tests to make their acting more difficult. It’s all very tongue in cheek, revelling in its low production values and delivered with gusto.

Although adults will enjoy the playfulness, the show would be ideally suited to children because as well as introducing the story of D'Artagnan, the trio of musketeers, the Queen’s missing diamonds and the machiavellian Cardinal Richelieu, it also shows them how theatre works. A lamp stand can replace a missing character, a sash means you’re D'Artagnan – adopt a limp and you become the innkeeper’s wife. Best of all, a red velvet backdrop is transformed into the evil Cardinal when a head and hand are poked through it.

Owen Lewis directs with a gleeful eye on the performers’ rapport with each other. The script contains some witty jokes and some misfires, while its slightly improvised quality makes it feel spontaneous, although occasionally at the expense of the story.