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The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas (adapted by David Pownall) - Athos

- Northcott Theatre, Exeter. Directed by John Durnin.

David Pownall's adaptation of the classic story combines riotous, swashbuckling action with an examination of the darker themes of betrayal and vengeance that Dumas's novel contains. Steve Wilsher, our fight-director, put together some wonderful duels and melees which combined true Hollywood flair with gritty realism. They were great fun, especially the first duel with the young D'Artagnan where I had to learn to fight left-handed as well as my normal right! I also enjoyed a memorable tavern brawl where a french loaf served in place of my lost rapier for a while.

Among other really strong performances, Jaqueline Dutoit as the malevolent Lady DeWinter and Monica Dutoit as a wonderfully child-like Queen were particularly worthy of note.

One of the nicest thing about Athos as a character is that he has all the fun and action of the other Musketeers while having a darker side, real moral ambiguity, and a tragic back-story which allows the actor to really get his teeth into strong dramatic scenes. The drunken 'breakdown' scene in particular is a show-stopper (although I was forever conscious of the marvellous Oliver Reed's performance as Athos in the Richard Lester films - some very big shoes to attempt to fill!)

Mention must also be made of the elegant, spacious simplicity of Jessica Tyrwhitt's huge and beautiful sets.

"The foursome (D'Artagnan, Athos, Aramis and Porthos) are at their best thrashing it out with the bad guys..."

Athos leans over the unconscious Lady DeWinter

Athos holds Lady DeWinter at pistol-point

Athos threatens Lady DeWinter as the other musketeers look on

A drunken Athos reveals a dark secret to his colleagues