An exciting and fun swashbuckling adventure while snacking on a picnic in early summer as the sun goes down – what a wonderful way to spend an evening. “This Is My Theatre” welcome us into the space with their full menu of beautifully arranged songs: gorgeous harmonies, sea shanties and traditional tunes, sometimes a cappella, some with violin, banjo, flute and Cajon drum accompaniment. By the time the show starts the whole audience is warmed up and well on board.

You will never see a version of The Three Musketeers like this one: they have taken Alexander Dumas’ dramatic story and not only told it truthfully, but added in so much humour as well, while never poking fun at the original. The result is an utterly superb and unique production, told with both enthusiasm and gravitas. This has struck that intensely tricky balance of consummate professionalism and almost farcical fun. And it is genuinely mountains of entertainment.

The choice to have one of the musketeers: Porthos the drunk, played by a sewing mannequin instead of a person, is both hilarious and genius. When he is required to contribute one of the actors stands behind to speak or to gesticulate with their arms from behind. He only speaks slurred French, yet the others react with agreeing with him, so we never work out what he says which is brilliant. And sometimes he even plays the banjo, thanks to Lily Smith’s arms.

There are so many stand out moments in this show, including fabulous and intricate swordplay. The swashbuckling truly is glorious: the fight sequences are excellent. What makes them marvellously funny as well is the way that they swap sides, from the goodies to the baddies, just by swapping hats – all while mid sword fight. And the sword fights include Porthos the mannequin, including one where the actor stands behind him holding a sword in each arm, and fights two people at the same time. It’s a jaw dropping moment as well as incredibly funny.

Sarah Slater who adapted, directed and designed this show deserves the highest praise for all the bizarre and bonkers staging ideas that completely work both in humour and in seriousness. Milady de Winter only appearing from behind in fur trimmed silken cloak, the creation of the horse Buttercup that takes D’Artagnan to Paris and the way they travel between all the places in France and England running and turning in sequence: fantastic.

There are only four actors in this production but you really wouldn’t know it. This is truly gorgeous ensemble work, they are so in sync it’s a total joy to watch them. Leon Topley’s conversation between two characters both played by him in different hats is tear-streamingly funny: the way his voice, physicality and stance changes, and the way the other actors play around him is super. Elliot Hay playing of the King as a spoiled child, changing everything about himself, as well as the noble and upright D’Artagnon is wonderful. Duncan Woodruff as the haunted Athos also plays a great baddie, again, they all morph and change depending on which character they are being. Lily Smith’s expressiveness is wonderful to watch and to hear the musical accompaniment on so many different instruments: playing the violin while singing is one, and a fantastic Irish jig with huge high kicks. Her violin reaction to Athos’ story is laugh out loud funny.

This is honestly the most inventive, funny, and poignant version of this story you are likely to see. As always, “This Is My Theatre” have put their unique stamp on a classic story and made it their own while honouring the original. The detail they add while remaining rustic and uncomplicated is astonishing. Always surprising, always entertaining and utterly fabulous: catch this if you can, it’s glorious.

Brighton Open Air Theatre, 16 May 2025
The Three Musketeers tour: check This Is My Theatre for details
Photos credit: Ethan Taylor