Three Musketeers

Gantry Youth Theatre

Bitterne Park Sixth Form Theatre

An increasing number of opportunities are available for children to learn to act, sing and dance but Gantry have been providing one for some considerable time.

Director Will Rogers adapted Alexander Dumas’ book to create parts for 40 enthusiastic youngsters, the story revolving around D’Artagnan’s aspirations to become a King’s Musketeer. Joseph Cousins is soon enlisted by the existing trio of Marc Andrews (Athos), Bailee Parkes (Porthos) and Owen Dennis (Aramis) and they combine to thwart the evil plans of Cardinal Richelieu (Jack Grace).

They all, along with Summer Crane (Constance) and Joe Burgess (Northumberland), perform very confidently, but Roisin Mitchell stood out as the scheming Milady de Winter, as did Dylan Mackinnon (Rochefort).

I can’t forget Skylar Parkes, who stole every scene as Planchet. The sword-fighting scenes were well-choreographed and skilfully executed, with no reported injuries, and the costumes looked good. Everybody enjoyed it - isn’t that the objective?

Alan Johns