We sent Lancaster House theatre buff, John Jemont, to an evening of high adventure at Williamson Park. What a delightful way to enjoy a beautiful summer evening in the outdoors, with great acting, audience participation and a tasty picnic selection of Lancashire cheese and a glass of port supplied by Lancaster House. Here’s what he had to say…
John Jesmont, Lancaster House
All for One and One for All
A scene from The Three Musketeers featuring Delme Thomas, centre, as King Louis
For a cracking night out I would recommend a theatre night with a difference in the stunning setting of Lancaster’s Williamson Park. Quite simply, there is nothing better on beautiful midsummer’s evening.
In its 30th year of open-air theatre, the Dukes brings us a production with a spin on the Alexander Dumas classic The Three Musketeers that journeys from gay Paris to a rather rainy ‘good old Blighty’ complete with colourful costumes, cheese (yes cheese!) jokes, dance and a talking horse.
Scenes with Lucy Jane Parkinson (D’Artagnan) and horsing around with Christopher Bianchi (Planchet)
D’Artagnan arrives in the city dreaming of becoming a Musketeer. He has to survive the sinister schemes of wicked Cardinal Richelieu before teaming up with the much-loved Three Musketeers – Porthos, Athos and Aramis – in order to save the Queen. But this would-be Musketeer is hiding a huge secret: “he” is really a “she”.
A Modern Twist
Milady (Rebecca Banatvala) takes aim
A thoroughly modern take on a classic novel, a laugh-out-loud script, lots and lots of sword play and great performances by Lucy Jane Parkinson as D’Artagnan and Christopher Bianchi who not only plays Cardinal Richlieu, but also Planchet the talking horse. The versatile cast swash and buckle along with an infectious enthusiasm that engages the audience both young and old and by the end you to will be shouting “All for One and One for All” into the night sky.
The cast of The Three Musketeers having a ball
Cheese and Port Picnic
The play incorporates a number of locations in the iconic park which is transformed by clever lighting and creative stagecraft. Sturdy footwear, a picnic blanket and a sense of adventure are a must. The cheese and port picnic provided by Lancaster House, and enjoyed half way through our high jinks adventure, added well-earned refreshment and rounded off our evening.
Theatre Cheese and Port Picnic to Complete your meal
The Dukes is one of the North West’s leading arts venues, it’s not only a theatre, but home to an independent cinema, arts hub and a very pleasant cafe bar, all showing a wide variety of productions throughout the year.
Book Your Play in the Park Theatre Stay or Pre-Theatre Meal
The Foodworks at Lancaster House, perfect for pre-theatre dinner
Selection of Lancashire cheeses and Sandeman Port
Get your Play in the Park Theatre tickets direct from Dukes Theatre. Enjoy a one night Bed & Breakfast Play in the Park stay at Lancaster House between the 3rd July until 18th August 2018.
For non-residents and Lancaster House guests why not book your pre-theatre dinner. This includes a main course and take-away port and cheese selection to enjoy in the park. Children dine for free and can take a Sam’s drinks bottle and dessert to the park.
