Forget the theatre for a night. In January 2027, Blue Sky Theatre invites audiences to grab a picnic, gather their friends, and head into the garden for an outdoor performance of the classic adventure story, The Three Musketeers.
Based on Alexandre Dumas’ much-loved tale and adapted for the stage by celebrated playwright Ken Ludwig, Blue Sky’s latest outdoor production promises daring sword fights, dastardly villains, romance — and plenty of laughs.
At the centre of the action is young D’Artagnan, who heads to Paris dreaming of becoming a musketeer. Before long, he has joined forces with the legendary Athos, Porthos and Aramis and found himself caught up in a dangerous plot involving the Queen of France, the formidable Cardinal Richelieu and the very dangerous Milady de Winter.
And he’s not alone. D’Artagnan’s irrepressible sister Sabine disguises herself as his servant and plunges headfirst into the adventure.
“It’s got everything,” says director Dave Simms. “Heroes, camaraderie and lots of opportunities for actors to run around a garden waving swords at each other. What more could you want on a summer evening?”
For Blue Sky Theatre, the garden is as much a part of the experience as the performance.
Audiences can arrive from 4.30 pm, explore the garden, enjoy a picnic and a drink from the licensed bar, and settle in for the performance at 6.30 pm. Then, as the sun begins to fade, the action unfolds beneath the stars.
Blue Sky has built a loyal following for its outdoor productions, taking classic stories and giving them an accessible and often gloriously mischievous makeover.
This production features a stellar ensemble, including Trevor Anderson, Simon Barnett, Ashley Bell, Louis Bianchini, Krystal Cave, Joshua Coldwell, Lee Cook, Rachel Dalton, Imogen Deller-Evans, Gary George, Sebastian Hollingsworth, Thomas Midena and Leighton Vogt, with Dave Simms directing.
The tour begins in Victor Harbor on January 8, before moving to The Cedars in Hahndorf, Duneira Estate at Mount Macedon and Carrick Hill at Springfield across four weekends.
So dust off the picnic rug and prepare to shout “All for one, and one for all!” Because this summer, Blue Sky Theatre is putting adventure back in the garden.
Victor Harbor: January 8, 9 & 10
The Cedars, Hahndorf: January 15, 16 & 17
Duneira Estate, Mount Macedon: January 23, 24 & 25
Carrick Hill, Springfield: January 29, 30 & 31
Gates 4.30pm | Show 6.30pm
Tickets go on sale 1st October.