The English Drama Society of Royal College in association with the Old Royalists’ Association of Dramatists brought to life, on the 25th, 26th and 27th of January 2019, Ken Ludwig’s stage adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ timeless classic, ‘The Three Musketeers’.

It is never an easy task performing a stage adaption of a novel, especially when the novel happens to be the popular historical and adventure classic “The Three Musketeers”. The length and complexity of the novel-cum-stage play, with its various plot twists, multiple storylines, vast character diversity and action scenes, make this play in particular an arduous task for actors and production crew members- professional or otherwise- to perform onstage. However, the cast and crew of last weekend’s show offered a truly entertaining performance of Dumas’ novel, capturing the very essence of why the story is so riveting. 

Set in 17th century France, the plot followed the impassioned young D’Artagnan’s journey to become a revered Musketeer at the King’s Service. D’Artagnan’s journey took a few fortuitous twists: he unwittingly offended, and then befriended the rakish, debonair “inseparable three” (Athos, Pothos, and Aramis, the three musketeers), fell in love with Constance, the Queen’s favourite lady-in-waiting and closest confidante, and helped the Queen save her honour. All this, while facing the intrigues that Cardinal Richelieu- aided by the Captain of his Guard, Rochefort and the ruthless Milady- devised in order to overthrow King Louis XIII and strengthen his own power.

“D’Arty”, played by Ruchith Ranasinghe, captured all his naiveté and youthful enthusiasm. Madara Thalduwa, Imaadh Dole and Pravin Jayasundere as Arthos, Porthos and Aramis (respectively), gave the audience an eloquent and genuinely entertaining performance, successfully capturing the personalities of each character and managing to bring to the fore the camaraderie which is very much a running theme amongst the “inseparable three”. Kaif Sally gave a superb portrayal of the cunning and slippery character that is Cardinal Richelieu. Akarsha Jirasinha as Constance stood out with her elegant performance, successfully capturing the complexity of her character.

Overall, the play was enjoyable. Suffused by humour, intrigue, swordfights and murder, there was never a dull moment throughout the performance. Audience members shared our sentiments and this is what they had to say: 

Anika-

We really enjoyed the show!

Wayne-

 As a huge fan of The Three Musketeers, I’m really happy that I got to see it in Sri Lanka and it was a pretty good show. They were playing to the audience and I loved the Cardinal’s performance.

Deepika-

The cast is very talented. It was a good production overall. 

Mihiri-

It was very funny throughout and I really liked it! 

Julie-

We thought it was excellent. 

Kavitha-

For a school production it was a very good show. Some of the key characters who stood out for me were the Cardinal, the musketeers and Milady. Well done, and kudos to the director. 

Dr. Maduwanthi-

I am very happy to the talent of the youngsters today. I’m an independent commenter and I came just because I love stage drama. I fully enjoyed this performance. Congratulations to the cast!

Photographs by: Pradeep Dilruckshana