The Three Musketeers

A brand-new musical, written and directed by local actor and playwright Nick Scovell, and based on the 1844 novel The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas? That had me interested from the moment it was announced by Fareham Musical Society. While, as the interesting notes in the programme tell us, the novel was based on real characters and events in the 17th century, Dumas applied quite a lot of dramatic licence and, I suspect, Scovell has pushed this even further, but the result is a finely honed script with drama and humour aplenty.

We were greeted by a sparse black stage with just a platform at the back and six chairs. That’s all we needed. Hugely atmospheric lighting (by Fareham Live), the acting and the choreography allowed us to build dramatic pictures in our minds. The costumes (Kathryn Hussey) were perfect too, with the large chorus in monochrome outfits leaving colour to the sumptuous costumes of the principals. I really must complement Sarah Dawkins’ musical staging and choreography, which was so precisely interpreted by the cast – it produced some marvellous tableaux, real treats for the eye – the first even earned its own round of applause. While the dancing was spellbinding, the sword fights were breath-taking. How many hours must you have rehearsed, under Gareth Billington-Ryan’s direction, to make them look so realistic and so thrilling to watch?

What a great script Nick Scovell has produced – every serious moment was swiftly punctured by a burst of humour – not just in the words, but in Nick’s careful and nuanced direction. The modern songs used throughout had been chosen well and fitted perfectly. They were beautifully sung by chorus members as well as principals (you must have made MD Ben Lister very proud), to good quality backing tracks. Sound reproduction and the balance between music and singers were spot-on.

What an able cast Nick has chosen. Our headstrong hero D’Artagnan was well played by Luke Davis, turning the swash-buckling up to maximum and relishing every chance to correct someone’s grammar and grab a bit of love with Constance – a nice, strong and brave portrayal by Kathryn Hussey (also the narrator). Jonny White’s Athos was nicely judged – the serious and pragmatic sharpshooter - while Gareth Billington-Ryan made Porthos every inch the vain, lovable joker. Jen Sharland captured the essence of Aramis well, while Brandon Bullock made a striking Duke of Buckingham. Graeme Clements’ Richelieu was perfectly sly and manipulative, and Grace Campbell positively shone as the musketeers’ arch enemy Milady de Winter. Hannah Barnard was a wonderfully camp and sunny King Louis XIII and Jackie Margison-Jarvis a very strong and determined Queen Anne – a good contrast. Poor Jussac’s nether regions must have suffered terribly, but Mark Maclaine, with his great comic timing, made the most of the role. Nick Scovell charmed us as schemer Monsieur Treville and I mustn’t forget the two wolves Jess Sharland and Nathaniel Morris.

Who would have thought that coupling Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers with modern pop music would work, but it does, it really does! Add in a lot of humour, great direction, spot-on performances, and really crisp choreography and you have an utterly professional production that left us wanting more. Great job FMS – and Nick Scovell in particular. I do hope the show has a life beyond this production – it would be a tragedy if it were not seen again.

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