Review: THE NEW MUSKETEERS, Trinity Theatre

Up and down the country, family trips to the theatre have become part of the Christmas routine over the years, and whilst many regional theatres opt for a traditional pantomime filled to the rafters with over the top costumes and pop music favourites, Tunbridge Wells’ Trinity Theatre has gone down a different route, delivering not one, not two, but three shows for all the family. One of these shows comes fresh from writing team Jack Michael Stacey, Matthew Howell, Dannie Harris and Sean Turner, who present their brand new comedy adventure, The New Musketeers. 

Set in the world of The Three Musketeers, this new production sees their servants  Mousqueton, Planchet and Grimault played by Jack Michael Stacey, Dannie Harris and Jesse Ashby respectively, mistaken for the famous sword fighters. Sent to deliver a birthday present to England’s King James (Irfan Damani), the three find themselves embroiled in a scheme that spirals out of control meeting the dastardly Cardinal Richelieu (Matthew Howell) and the beguiling Mi’lady De Winter (Hollie Anne-Price). Ill prepared and with little understanding of what they have actually got themselves into, we follow the three stand-in musketeers as they battle to save the day.

Harris’ leading the way Planchet, Ashby’s strong silent type Grimault and Stacey’s somewhat reluctant Mousqueton are lovable and instantly believable as the production’s heroes, and the audience are drawn in, wanting them all to succeed. Planchet gives the piece a heart as someone who wants more than a life as a servant, with Harris giving the character a cheeky spark. Stacey’s Mousqueton is an honest soul, not wanting to portray someone he’s not but is easily led by the more confident Planchet. Often speaking before he thinks, Mousqueton’s perhaps over-trusting personality lands him and his fellow ‘new musketeers’ in trouble. Stacey’s infectious energy has the audience won over with ease. Ashby’s Grim doesn’t need to say a word to earn a laugh, displaying a natural flair for comedy with his character finding strength perhaps more powerful than the sword, and more than capable of earning his keep with companions. 

Howell’s Cardinal Richelieu is the villain that everyone loves to hate, winning over the audience with his flamboyant bad guy laughter and sideways glances to the audience. Hollie Anne-Price impresses in her professional debut as Mi’lady de Winter, ever the ideas person. Max Kinder’s Lord Buckingham is exuberant and larger than life, much to the delight of the captivated audience, forming a perfect partnership with Irfan Damani’s dramatic people pleasing King James. 

Winnie Southgate and Will Taylor play a multitude of roles throughout, from palace workers Doris and Jack/Mike, to shopkeepers and soldiers, providing many a laugh and musical moments, with Taylor showcasing high levels of slapstick skill and Southgate plenty of fun. 

The original songs by Dannie Harris are both catchy and beautifully performed, with the title song ‘The New Musketeers’ being regularly revisited to great effect. ‘Let’s Go To The Pub’ gets the audience excited and King James’ ‘Somebody Else’ will raise smiles.

The direction by Trinity Theatre’s Artistic Director Sean Turner combines adventure and drama with classic slapstick, effortlessly performed by the talented cast and Nigel Hook’s dual level stage with multiple doorways adds extra pratfall comedy throughout. 

Guaranteed to please all ages, The New Musketeers is a showcase for the writing skill of Harris, Howell, Stacey and Turner and the comedic talents of the entire cast. Giggle inducing throughout, some jokes may fly over the heads of little ones whilst delighting the adults, but that’s traditional of a Christmas show for the whole family. Slapstick, song, dance, wordplay, adventure and silliness combine in this gift of a show, and we can only hope for a future for it. A UK tour perhaps, a stint in London? Only time will tell, but the future looks bright. 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rebecca Wallis

The New Musketeers plays at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells until 2 January 2023, with tickets available here.