The Three Musketeers premieres at Oxford Playhouse

Last night, a swashbuckling cast of 45 MCS pupils took to the Oxford Playhouse stage to perform the premiere of a brand-new adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ beloved adventure story, The Three Musketeers.

The original script and musical score, written by Head of Drama Alex Thomas in collaboration with pupils, re-tells the Musketeers’ epic tale of companionship and courage. Complemented by a spectacular set and beautiful period costumes, the pupils – from Second Form to Upper Sixth – have rehearsed for months to evoke the feverish atmosphere of Louis XIII’s court and bring Dumas’ unforgettable characters to life.

A live ‘tavern band’ gave the production a lively ‘panto’ feel, while a pit orchestra provided the soundtrack to breath-taking battle scenes – which had been enhanced by coaching from professional stage combat practitioners.

This is the third year the school has collaborated with the Playhouse on a production and follows the critically acclaimed performances of The Hobbit and The Odyssiad. The partnership enabled 12 pupils to work alongside the theatre’s professional team and gain hands on technical experience of crewing for a live show.

Alex Thomas said: “Bringing this new adaptation of The Three Musketeers to life has been a thrilling experience for everyone involved and pupils on and behind stage have shown enormous energy and skill throughout. At a time when productions are shrinking, and big casts are getting harder to justify, it is fantastic to be able to stage a loud, large and lively show.  And it is wonderful to be back at the Playhouse again, with the opportunity to perform on the professional stage and with the support of specialists. With epic heroes, a plot riven with intrigue and swashbuckling sword-fighting stage-craft, there’s no doubt this show is an exciting ride.”