Dr Hellyer creates action packed Musketeers

Dr Hellyer creates action packed Musketeers

Nine swords, fourteen wannabe heroes and five sexy women make for a fun and fast-paced interpretation of The Three Musketeers, opening at the Gryphon Theatre on 1 September.

Director Joy Hellyer who holds a PhD in French Literature and who also translated and adapted the play from the original Alexandre Dumas play and novel, says she thinks the spirit of the original that’s been captured will delight modern audiences.

“Dumas wrote the original as a serial novel so at the end of each episode something exciting had to happen to keep readers buying the next instalment. That’s a lot like what modern audiences expect from their TV shows. I think they’ll feel really at home with the short action-packed scenes.”

If there was ever any doubt that The Three Musketeers was still relevant it was squashed from the moment auditions were announced.

“This was one play where we didn’t have a struggle to get men to audition,” says Joy.

“When we did the first read through we asked them all why they wanted to be in it – to a man they all said it was the chance to do real sword fighting on stage.”

True to that goal, the play features four sword fights, with one involving nine characters in action.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have Allan Henry, who works professionally and who is acknowledged as one of the best in the business in New Zealand at stage combat, teaching the guys. And Allan loves it too – he was so keen he’s playing a musketeer in the production.”

The Three Musketeers is a Stagecraft production and plays at the Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street from 1 – 11 September.

Tickets are $22 waged, $20 unwaged, $18 for groups of 10 or more. 2 for $22 night Thursday 2 Sept. Please note booking/delivery fees may apply.

Bookings, ph 0508iticket (0508 484253) or book online at www.stagecraft.co.nz

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